50 Years of Title IX: Sandra McBeth - Volleyball
6/8/2022 10:40:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX by the United States Congress. In 1972, Congress passed Title IX as part of that year's education amendments. Written by Representative Patsy Mink, Representative Edith Green and Senator Birch Bayh, the law prohibits sex-based discrimination in all schools receiving federal financial assistance. Although the text of the law makes no reference to athletics, it was later determined to encompass all aspects of a school's operations, including intercollegiate sports programs. One study found that, between the implementation of Title IX and 2006, there had been an almost 500% increase in the number of female collegiate athletes.
Sandra (Aughinbaugh) McBeth was in 6th grade when Title IX was passed. That same year she began playing volleyball.
Sandy talks of how Title IX allowed girls to play competitive sports in high school. "I was the perfect age to take advantage of Title IX", she says. After high school, Sandra attended Cal Poly to play volleyball where she was an outside hitter.
"Title IX opened the door for my collegiate career." During her time at Cal Poly, she was a walk-on and ended up earning a scholarship. Her freshman year at Cal Poly the team was still AIAW. Her second year the team moved up to NCAA Division I. "Without Title IX we wouldn't have been there [NCAA Division I] that quickly," she added.
At Cal Poly she was named Team Athlete of the Year twice and U.S. Volleyball Association All-American selection three times. She represented the United State in the World University Games in Romania in 1981. She also still holds the Cal Poly record for most kills in a season with 630.
Sandra says she had a great college experience. The beauty of the area, the wonderful people and how much fun she had stand out in her memory. Visiting Hawai'i for matches was something she described as special. Her coach was from Hawai'i so whenever the team went there to play, they would become immersed in the local culture. They explored different areas, met his family, and participated in Hawaiian cultural events.
She graduated from Cal Poly in 1983 with degrees in Political Science and English. After graduating, she was a member of the United States Olympic Volleyball Team in 1985 and 1986. She has won two national championships in her Women's 35's division. One of Sandy's favorite volleyball memories was representing the United States in places such as Canada and Europe.
In 1988, Sandy was one of two volleyball alumni inducted into the Cal Poly Hall of Fame.
As for advice to future athletes, She is adamant about them taking advantage of the opportunities provided. Also, to be aware of why they are in the position to participate in sports at Cal Poly.
McBeth volunteers for the selection committee of Cal Poly Athletics. She also served on the Political Science Alumni Commission. "It's a privilege for me to give back to Cal Poly."
Story by: Catie Logan - Cal Poly Athletics Communications
