Bounding over hurdles in billowing bloomers. Posing proudly with trophies and letter-sweaters. Hustling for the soccer ball on field where Love Library now stands. These are only a few of the images of women athletes featured in a new exhibit opening in Love Library. Presenting action-packed historical photos and archival documents Opportunity & Opposition: A Century of Women’s Athletics at the University of Nebraska traces the rich and complex history of women’s athletics from an 1883 petition for equivalent opportunities through the initial impact of Title IX. The exhibit highlights how prevailing ideas about women and competition, administration of women’s athletics, and funding decisions shaped opportunities. In addition, quotes from the athletes themselves and items they created provide insights into how they viewed sports as part of college life.
Opportunity & Opposition opens on the second floor of Love Library South on March 10, 2023 and is free and open to the public. It was curated by assistant professor of practice and outreach archivist Traci Robison and designed by graphic designer Erin Colonna.