DES MOINES, Iowa -- Drake University athletics announced the beginning of Elevate the IX Era today. The Elevate the IX Era is a two-year effort the University is embarking on to celebrate Title IX and the nine current Drake University women's athletics programs.

"While women's athletics are inextricable from our campus life today, less than 50 years ago Drake University had no women athletes," said Drake University President Marty Martin. "Elevate the IX Era will be a time to reflect on our history, celebrate the women who have championed our progress, and discuss what more can be done."

The effort begins June 23, 2022, the 50th anniversary of Title IX, and concludes in November 2024, a milestone to mark the 50th anniversary of women's athletics at Drake. On November 20, 1974, the Drake women's basketball team defeated the University of Iowa 78–65 at the Drake Fieldhouse in Des Moines. It was the first game for both programs.

"Drake women's sports programs have had immense success beginning in the former Gateway Conference evolving into accomplishments in the Missouri Valley Conference," said Drake University Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator Megan Franklin. Through the celebration era of Elevate the IX, we get to honor the past, acknowledge the present, and dream and prepare for the future of women's athletics at Drake. In the spirit of the late Drake historian Paul F. Morrison, we will focus on the history inspiring the future over the next two years for the betterment of generations of women student-athletes to come."

The Elevate the IX Era will include educational discussions and events to celebrate milestones, pioneers, and moments throughout the history of Drake women's athletics. A fundraising initiative to specifically support Drake women's athletic programs is also currently in the development stages.

"Drake has a rich history of women's athletics that deserves to be celebrated," said Drake University Director of Athletics Brian Hardin. "The Elevate the IX Era will be a time to remember what we've accomplished and also a time to discuss what can be done to position our nine women's sports teams for success into the future."

More details about the Elevate the IX era are slated to be announced at later dates.