WOMEN'S ATHLETICS AT CANISIUS...
Canisius College was founded in 1870, and in 1903, it began athletics program.
Since that time more than 150 years ago, Canisius College has undergone many changes, especially to its athletic department. One of the biggest changes Canisius has made is the implementation of Title IX in 1972. June 23, 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX, which states that:
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.”
Title IX’s impact on Canisius' athletic department cannot be understated…
Shortly after the passing of the Title IX legislation, women’s intercollegiate athletic programs were started when a small group of pioneering women began to represent the College in the sport of gymnastics. Soon, basketball, volleyball and softball began competing, and the Golden Griffin women’s intercollegiate program was born.
Today, 50 years later, Canisius sponsors 10 varsity women's athletic programs, made up of nearly 180 female student-athletes. Canisius women have won individual and team conference championships, advanced to NCAA Tournament competitions and been inducted into our Sports Hall of Fame and/or recognized by the College as a Distinguished Alumni. More than 1,600 athletic alumnae have taken advantage of the opportunity to attend Canisius, participate in NCAA Division I athletics, earn their degree(s) and go on to make a significant mark in this world.
