Dr Nancy O'reilly

Dr. Nancy sits down with Danette Leighton and Jean Tatge of the Women’s Sports Foundation to discuss the critical role of sports in fostering equality and leadership. Reflecting on Billie Jean King’s founding vision and Title IX’s 51-year legacy, they discuss the role of sports in teaching resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and how that prepares women for leadership. They highlight the urgent need for equitable opportunities, especially for underserved groups—including girls with disabilities, LGBTQ+ youth, and those in low-income communities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of redefining sports as a vital part of education, not just an extracurricular activity. They also touch on ways to advocate for more investment in women and girls’ sports and increase women’s representation in coaching. Leighton and Tatge inspire listeners to view sports as not just a game, but as a pathway to leadership for women.