ICYMI: As Part of the U.S. Open, Sherrill Pens “Champions of Equality” Essay on Women’s Leadership in Sports and Beyond

September 7, 2023

PARSIPPANY, NJ — As part of this year’s U.S. Open, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill penned an essay as part of the tournament’s “Champions of Equality” series, which features women from a variety of fields and celebrates 50 years since Billie Jean King led the charge for equal prize money for men and women tennis players.

Congresswoman Sherrill has been a strong advocate for women’s athletics, with her Equal Pay for Team USA Act signed into law, working to pass the Women in NCAA Sports Act, and leading a resolution to honor Billie Jean King with the Congressional Gold Medal.

By Mikie Sherrill
I was born the same year Title IX became the law of the land and I spent my youth in burgeoning girl’s athletic programs. Unlike my mother’s generation, my friends and I had the chance to try our hand at a wider variety of sports. I played soccer and lacrosse and rowed crew on organized teams from the fourth grade all the way through college. But my experiences pale in comparison to the sports programs my daughters engage in today.

My coaches were often dads who had never played the sports they were coaching. My daughters’ teams are led by impressive coaches committed to the game – the same coaches that lead my sons’ teams.

The evolution of women’s sports over the last 50 years is truly incredible, and support and excitement continue to grow. However, as I have seen in my own life and the different careers I’ve held, this progress in advancing women’s rights did not come without obstacles or without a fight.

Beginning at ten years old, my dream was to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps. I was enthralled by his stories of being a B24 pilot during World War II. I loved the idea of taking part in something bigger than myself. From then on, it was my goal to one day serve my country and learn to fly.

I told my father about this dream and he said the best path forward would be to attend a service academy for college, but also, that he wasn’t sure they let women fly in the military. With youthful confidence, I said not to worry – I would figure it out.

And I did. I graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994, the first class of women eligible for most combat billets. I got my wings and went on to serve for nearly a decade as a Sea King helicopter pilot and helicopter aircraft commander, leading missions across the globe.

While women were allowed to serve in these new positions, it did not mean we were welcomed with open arms or that there weren’t more hurdles to cross. I remember attending a lecture with the Chief of Naval Operations where a Midshipman asked when women would be allowed to serve on submarines. The CNO replied, “not in my lifetime,” and received a standing ovation.

My own advancement in the Navy often came at the expense of working twice as hard and fighting for every bit of respect. We’ve come a long way, but there is still more to do to support our women servicemembers who face an unfair lack of access to reproductive healthcare — including a possible travel ban on seeking abortion — and the poisonous culture of sexual harassment and assault that still prevails.

But I believe a sea change is coming with the nomination of Admiral Lisa Franchetti to serve as Chief of Naval Operations. I served alongside Admiral Franchetti when I was in the Navy. She has been a trailblazer her entire career. As one of the few female four-star officers in U.S. history, as a sailor who was told from the start that high-ranking officers didn’t want to see women aboard their ships, as only the second female Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and now as the nominee to be the first female member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, she is used to breaking glass ceilings — and I look forward to seeing her lead the Navy fully into the 21st Century.

The Navy, however, is not the only male-dominated space I’ve served in.

It may seem hard to believe now, considering how many more women were elected in 2018, but when I first announced I was running for Congress, a lot of people were skeptical. I thought my resume as a veteran, assistant U.S. Attorney, and mom of four made me a strong candidate. But that didn’t matter — I was told more times that I can count that women just don’t win in New Jersey.

I knew that wasn’t true. Despite so many different obstacles, women have found a way to lead the way and make a difference in our state and country dating back to before the Revolution. I knew that when women run, we win. I saw women in all levels of government, from town councils to the state legislature, to our late, great Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, winning elections and leading our state towards a better and brighter future.

I am now serving my third term representing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District and it is the honor of a lifetime. Over the past four and half years, I’ve worked diligently to fight for greater equality and to advance women’s rights — for military servicewomen, for mothers, for young girls, and for women athletes. It is important to me to open new doors and opportunities for women, instead of counting my own success as a win and closing the door behind me.

In Congress, I’m working to advance gender equity in youth, collegiate, and professional sports while ensuring school programs live up to the mandate of Title IX. That’s why I introduced the Women in NCAA Sports (WINS) Act, bipartisan legislation that addresses and promotes fairness for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) women’s sports programming.

I am extremely proud to say my bipartisan bill, the Equal Pay for Team USA Act, was signed into law, which requires that all athletes representing the United States in global amateur athletic competitions receive equal compensation and benefits in their sport, irrespective of gender. It also requires equal medical care, travel arrangements, and expense reimbursement.

My work toward real sports equity includes wonderful partners who are true champions for equality. This year my guest at the State of Union was two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Kelley O’Hara. Because of her and her teammates’ hard work and determination, the men's and women’s teams will now have identical pay structures for appearances and tournament victories, revenue sharing, and equitable distribution of World Cup prize money.

I’ll close by saying that none of this work would be possible without the courage, vision, and drive of Billie Jean King. She is not only one of the best tennis players in the world — but she’s one of the greatest examples our country has to offer.

From her astonishing 39 Grand Slam titles and her testimony before Congress, to her iconic victory in the Battle of the Sexes and founding the Women's Sports Foundation, King won women’s sports greater respect and visibility as she fought for equality on and off the court.

Billie Jean King is a true fighter and American icon that I believe should be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal: Congress's highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements.

Sports have the unique ability to bring our nation together, even in the most divided times. And for that reason, it is absolutely essential that we work to make it the best it can be for all athletes.

If we continue this work for equality together, following the example of Billie Jean King, the road ahead will be brighter for women and our country – because we know that when women succeed, America succeeds.

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