COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The 2014-15 academic year marks the 40th anniversary of women's varsity athletics at Texas A&M University. As part of a year-long celebration, numerous recognitions and activities will be held leading up to the official 40th anniversary date on June 15, 2015.
Although some Aggie women's sports teams were already participating in intercollegiate competitions as early as 1971, it wasn't until the Texas A&M Athletic Council's milestone decision on June 15, 1975, that women's athletics were brought under the umbrella of the Texas A&M Athletics Department.
"The introduction of women's sports into the Texas A&M Athletics Department 40 years ago helped continue significant change that was occurring throughout the university," Texas A&M Director of Athletics Eric Hyman said. "Since that time, Aggie women have gone on to win conference and national championships, earn Olympic gold medals and reach the highest levels of the business world. We are proud that women have the opportunity at Texas A&M to achieve their hopes and dreams through intercollegiate athletics."
Texas A&M has finished in the top 10 of the Learfield Sports Directors Cup, which recognizes the nation's top overall athletics programs, for five straight years and among the top 25 for nine consecutive seasons. Over the past 40 years, Texas A&M's women's sports have accounted for 19 national titles, 44 conference championships and four Olympic medals.
"Across the country Texas A&M is recognized as having one of the top women's athletics programs in terms of facilities and success both in and out of competition," said Samantha Huge, senior associate athletics director/senior woman administrator, who is leading the 40th anniversary celebration. "What's most impressive, however, is the long-term impact that intercollegiate athletics have had in the lives of our student-athletes, coaches and support staff."
Regardless of official start date, all 11 of Texas A&M's sponsored women's sports will recognize the 40th anniversary throughout the 2014-15 season through a special logo, various events and featured content on social media and at 12thMan.com. Individual women's sports celebrating their 40th seasons under the Athletics Department include golf, swimming and diving, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.
Highlights of Texas A&M's women's teams over the past 40 years include:
- Equestrian – 11 national titles, one conference championship
- Softball – three national titles, one national runner-up finish, three conference championships
- Tennis – four conference championships, one national runner-up finish
- Volleyball – 24 postseason appearances, one conference divisional title
- Basketball – one national title, five conference championships
- Golf – five conference championships
- Soccer – 14 conference championships
- Swimming & Diving – four conference championships
- Track and Field – four national titles, 11 conference championships