As National Girls & Women in Sports Day approaches this week, we think it is important to reflect on the pioneers who have given us access to this sport. The Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) was the original governing body of women's college competitions before Title IX existed. After Title IX was passed, the NCAA was forced to include women's sports. The AIAW tried to remain in existence, however with the power and popularity of the NCAA, the AIAW was eventually forced out of business. The history of this league is almost completely forgotten and erased. One main difference between the NCAA and the AIAW for field hockey is the variety of teams that competed in the AIAW. Teams from all over the country competed in the AIAW, including Missouri State, San Jose State, Southern Illinois, Long Beach State, Cal State Chico, Sacramento State, Catawba, Denver, and Washington State. Teams were located all over the country. While the NCAA does not recognize AIAW r...