Thirty-five words written as part of a landmark U.S. law forever changed the sporting world and, more specifically, southwest Missouri female athletes.
"No person in the United States shall, based on 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."
In honor of the 50th anniversary of President Richard Nixon signing Title IX of the Civil Rights Act into law on June 23, 1972, the Springfield News-Leader compiled a list of 50 of the greatest and most influential female athletes, coaches and administrators to come through southwest Missouri.