As the Jacksonville University Athletics celebrates the 50th anniversary of the landmark Title IX legislation, we will honor, acknowledge, and provide information on members of the Dolphin family who help make a difference at JU by assisting our athletic department, coaches, and student-athletes. These featured Dolphins truly embody the meaning of Title IX through their work in maintaining a campus culture of inclusion and acceptance with no exception to gender.
Title IX is a federal civil rights law in the United States of America that was passed as part (Title IX) of the Education Amendments of 1972. It prohibits sex-based discrimination in any school or other education program that receives funding from the federal government.
From today until the June 23 anniversary passing of Title IX, JU Athletics will feature several individuals who play a role in influencing the success of our current student-athletes, in-and-out of competition in the Green and White.
A midfielder on the Dolphins' women's lacrosse team from 2014-17, Hannah Gleichenhaus played in 78 career games, netting 63 goals and adding 36 assists for a total of 99 points. Along with assisting the team in capturing three ASUN Tournament Championships and advancing to the NCAA Tournament in each of those years, she was named the Conference Tournament MVP her senior year, scoring six points en-route to the team's fourth league title in five years. She served as a Team Captain during her final two years on the field.
After graduating from JU in 2017, Hannah joined the athletic department as a graduate assistant in athletic administration, while completing her master's degree. In her current role at JU, Hannah serves as the Senior Associate Athletic Director of Athletic Administration.
Q: Explain your background in sports and education, both as a student-athlete and a professional.
Gleichenhaus: For as long as I can remember, I have been involved in sports. I was involved with a variety of sports and programs throughout my life, including gymnastics, cheerleading, ice skating, swim team, soccer, basketball, t-ball, field hockey, lacrosse and maybe a few others. In high school I narrowed down to field hockey and lacrosse more specifically. I entered the recruiting process and found myself as a student-athlete at Jacksonville University on the women's lacrosse team and graduated from JU in 2017. After graduation, I was a two-year graduate assistant in athletics administration, where I am still employed to this day.
Q: As a student-athlete and growing up, what was your knowledge on Title IX and the impact is has had on education in the United States?
Gleichenhaus: As a student-athlete my knowledge of Title IX was limited, however I feel a blessed for the individuals who have paved the way so that I could participate equally.
Q: What impact has sports had on your personal and professional life?
Gleichenhaus: Sports and being part of sports, as an individual and team, has defined nearly every life lesson for me. It could be my personal experience, or somebody else's experience, where I constantly find myself using examples, reflecting, or giving credit to a sport I participated in, a team I was a part of, a coach I had, a teammate I played with, and/or a prior circumstance.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who like to build a successful career working in sports?
Gleichenhaus: You can do it too.
