Title IX: Shea Collins Story

As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, we can reflect on how far we’ve come but there is still more work to be done to achieve the ideals Title IX set forth. Even today we know athletic opportunities at most schools aren’t equitable – that’s why the hard work of leaders who implement & create programs aimed at true equality is so important. These are their stories.

“The Leader has to see beyond the sport that they coach”

Shea Collins, Director of Student Activities at Midlothian High School, a public high school in Chesterfield County. She previously worked at Huguenot High School as Director of Student Activities. Ms. Collins has been in the world of Athletic Administration for the past 10 years. She was a basketball coach and teacher before entering administration.

When Ms. Collins was a basketball coach, she could see a difference in treatment between the boys’ and girls’ teams. Ms. Collins stepped up for her team to try and fight for what was equal. Now that she is in leadership, she makes sure that boys and girls are getting the same or relatively the same treatment. Ms. Collins is driven to not only create diversity among the students but also among her coaching staff.

“It’s more noticed now, to help more, to bring more together, than it may have been probably in the past. I make a conscious effort, not just for the girls and for Title IX, but for diversity at my school.”