Female athletes reflect on Aggie experience
The month of March is a celebration of the contributions women have made throughout history. Among these contributions stand the achievements of female athletes who have paved the way for generations to come.
Title IX gives women athletes the right to equal opportunity in sports in educational institutions that receive federal funds, from elementary schools to colleges and universities.
The clause states no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
For Liz McArthur-Fisher, a former Utah State athlete, volleyball was not just a game but a journey that spanned from seventh grade through college. Playing predominantly as an outside hitter, her love for the sport transcended individual success, finding fulfillment in the camaraderie of teamwork and the unwavering support of her teammates.
“I love that you can’t do any of it on your own. It takes your whole team to accomplish anything,” McArthur-Fisher said.
Reflecting on her time at USU, Fisher fondly recalled the electrifying atmosphere of Logan and the unwavering support of the community.
“We definitely didn’t have the same number of spectators, compared to football or basketball, but we had a core group of friends and people that would come to all of our games, and it felt like we had the love and support,” McArthur-Fisher said. “I love Logan. I felt at home there.”
During her time at USU, McArthur-Fisher celebrated memorable victories, including winning the WAC tournament and securing notable wins in NCAA competitions.
But her journey wasn’t without its challenges. As a female collegiate athlete, she faced the scrutiny of body measurements and expectations that didn’t always align with athletic performance.
“They would measure our body fat percentage, and being good at a sport isn’t necessarily correlated to that. I was OK, but I know that was hard on the team, especially for girls, who are probably a little more sensitive to that,” McArthur-Fisher said.
Despite this, she persisted, fueled by a deep passion for the game and the opportunities it afforded her.
Now, as she prepares for induction into the Utah State Aggie Hall of Fame, she views this recognition as both a personal accolade and a testament to the dedication and hard work of countless female athletes who have blazed trails before her.
“It’s really cool to show my kids, ‘Look what you can do if you want to. If you’re willing to do it, you can,’” McArthur-Fisher said. “I know that a lot of women paved the way for me to have this incredible opportunity, and I’m so grateful for that.”
Similarly, Tana Call Davis emerged from the world of gymnastics, where her impressive skills on balance beam and floor exercises were expressions of her strength, agility and determination.
Her journey began at the age of six and continued through her collegiate years. From 1987-1990, she found herself part of a supportive Aggie team driven by a shared goal of excellence.
“The best part was being a part of the university and the team and getting an education and doing the thing I loved most, which was gymnastics,” Davis said.
She never wavered in her pursuit of success, fueled by the opportunities provided by Title IX and the realization her athleticism could open doors previously closed to women.
“I really didn’t notice any difference between the men’s programs as far as privileges. I know that in years previous when Marilyn Weiss was there, she felt that it was unfair that it took universities a long time to become equal,” Davis said. “I feel like when I came in, all of those pioneers and people that struggled to get those things put in place, were there when I got there.”
Reflecting on her induction into the Utah State Aggie Hall of Fame in 2023, Davis Marveled at how far she’s come since her days as a first-year gymnast.
“It was a huge honor to be honored with those other women during the 50th anniversary of Title IX,” Davis said. “They were amazing; it was so fun to meet Marilyn Weiss because she was the one that really got Title IX going at the university.”
“Any reason to celebrate human beings on all levels is awesome. I know a lot of women paved the way for that and tried to play on boys’ teams, and there wasn’t a place for them — and it’s awesome to celebrate the women that took that leap,” McArthur-Fisher said.
When asked if she had any advice for future female collegiate athletes, Fisher said, “I say go for it. If you want to do it, you should do it. Don’t make excuses for yourself or set limits for yourself. And if you want something to change in your life, you be the one to do it.”
Davis similarly said, “Keep moving forward. Keep going for it. Don’t let anyone discourage you from doing what you want. The opportunities are there for you to be taken. Women will reach their goals if they do those things.”