January 30, 2004
Media Advisory: #0402

News Release
For Immediate Release

SACRAMENTO, CA . . . The California Community College Commission on Athletics (COA) will celebrate “California Girls and Women in Sports Week”, February 2 – 6. The week has been declared by the California State Legislature, in a resolution introduced by Assembly Member Jenny Oropeza, 55th Assembly District.

The annual week-long celebration commemorates the accomplishments of female athletes, coaches, officials and sports administrators for their important contributions to the sports world.

The COA is committed to ensuring that its colleges equitably offer intercollegiate athletic opportunities for the female citizenry of the state.

The COA has crowned women’s champions since the fall of 1977, and has expanded its women’s programs to offer 11 intercollegiate sports for women.

In 2001-02, the COA sanctioned the 25th year of women’s participation in California Community College athletics, The year-long celebration was highlighted by a gala event at the annual COA Convention, where former athletes, coaches and administrators were reunited to recognize the milestone.

The influence of women within the California community college system has never been stronger than it is today. Approximately 57% of the 2.9 million California community college students are female and more than 220 women are employed as head coaches and over 30 women are employed as athletic directors. In addition, the COA Hall of Fame, the state’s most prestigious athletic honor, lists 19 women among its elite membership.

The COA encourages its members-colleges to actively recognize “California Girls and Women in Sports Week”, February 2 – 6, 2004.

To view the latest news, information and updates of all 23 COA sanctioned sports, please visit www.coasports.org.

COA