Within 15 minutes of clinching a spot in the NCAA DII national title game, University of Minnesota Duluth women's basketball graduate senior Brooke Olson wasted no time in the postgame press conference talking about what would separate this title trip from previous years.

"I remember it being announced three years ago that there would be a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX and a joint championship, and I was like that's so exciting," said Olson in the postgame press conference following the Bulldogs NCAA Final Four semifinal win over Catawaba College. "Just for women's basketball in general, but now to be a part of it is going to be so much fun. 

Olson's excitement was in reference to the NCAA's celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX by holding a joint Division I, II and III national championship. Five decades ago, 37 words changed the game for girls and women in education and sport. The law stated 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."

Senator Birch Bayh of Indiana authored Title IX, which was signed into law by President Richard Nixon on June 23, 1972. Representatives. Edith Green of Oregon and Patsy Mink of Hawaii joined Bayh in developing and championing the law. Title IX, part of the Educational Amendments of 1972, mandated change across education in the United States by declaring sex discrimination in educational settings illegal, which then expanded access and opportunities for girls and women. Title IX's 50th anniversary provides a significant moment to reflect on progress that has been made in many areas of education, to call attention to inequities and discrimination.

While Olson and the Bulldogs have only known a system that treated them equitably under the law, UMD head coach Mandy Pearson made a note of calling out those that came before her – including legendary Bulldog head coach Karen Stromme, who was sitting in the press conference as a NCAA liaison.

"I feel really lucky, and when I am looking out here, I see Karen Stromme," said Pearson. "There are so many amazing women that came before us, that worked their tails off and made sacrifices and did the dirty work so that we could have moments like this. I think I am a little below that age gap where I was really lucky. I was never pushed aside because I was a female, so to be here is a pretty unique thing. To get to the national tournament is incredible, and to do it this year makes it really special."

The NCAA's celebration has been a year-long effort, and it began its Title IX at 50 celebration during the 2022 NCAA Convention in Indianapolis. The celebration commemorates the anniversary of the landmark federal law, and the Association has hosted programs, tributes and other activities through this spring, and culminates at the 2023 Women's Final Four in Dallas.. Since March 3, 2023, the NCAA has at the AT&T Discovery District a Title IX 50th Anniversary Showcase display of trophies, videos, uniforms, and other mementos that recognize and celebrate NCAA female student-athletes from all sports.

While the Bulldogs are excited to be on the biggest stage college basketball has to offer, they have not forgotten that there are many women before them that didn't get the support they have had to accomplish their goals.

"I think you want to do it for the people that came before you," said junior Ella Gilbertson. "Women's basketball has come so far, and for it to get the recognition it deserves, I think it's really special. It's important to all of us and we want to do our best for them."

For more on the NCAA's Title IX celebration, visit https://www.ncaa.com/womens-final-four/TitleIX

For more on Title IX at 50, visit ncaa.org/titleix50

Click HERE to read the full NCAA's Title IX at 50 report