As the Hofstra University Department of Athletics celebrates the 50th anniversary of the passing of Title IX, we will honor, acknowledge, and inform our University community about some of the members of the Pride who helped make a difference at Hofstra and paved the way for today's current student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and teams. Leading up the the June 23 anniversary of the passage of Title IX, Hofstra Athletics will feature many individuals who played a role in enacting change or those whose experiences at Hofstra were enhanced by the efforts of those who came before them.

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. 

Please consider a gift to celebrate and support the 50th anniversary of Title IX! All proceeds from this campaign will go directly towards our Hofstra Athletics Pride Club account for women's athletics. 

Our next spotlight is on Maria Grasso, a field hockey student-athlete at Hofstra and a 1986 graduate of the University. 

A field hockey student-athlete at Hofstra and a 1986 graduate, Maria Grasso is a strong advocate for women's athletics with her support and philanthropy. A long-time member of the Hofstra Athletics Pride Club and a loyal fan, Grasso can often be found rooting on the Pride from the stands.

During her time on the field hockey team, Grasso played for Coach Cindy Lewis for three years and Lynn Kotler for one, and was part of 30 victories. As a student-athlete who came to Hofstra several years after the passage of Title IX, Grasso was a beneficiary of the law. "Frankly, I am not sure I could have afforded college if it wasn't for the field hockey scholarship I received, my resident assistant position, my assistant director position and my work study job in the sports information office," said Grasso. "Without Title IX, it might not have been possible. My time at Hofstra, both on and off the field, provided me with the foundation and core skill set to build a successful career."  

More than 30 years after she graduated from Hofstra and left college athletics, Grasso still sees the effects of the 1972 ruling when it comes to women's athletics today. "Yes, I definitely see more equity in women's sports than when I was in college," she said. "Progress has been made, but there is still more that can be done."

Grasso is also heavily involved in non-athletic support at the University, serving as President of the Zarb Alumni Association, and as a board member on the Women in Leadership Advisory Board and the Frank G. Zarb School of Business Deans Advisory Board.

"I was taught at a young age that you work for what you want, appreciate what you are given, and most importantly, help others in whatever way you can," Grasso said. "I feel very fortunate and am thankful for the opportunities that I have been given. I want to provide similar opportunities to others who could use assistance. Over the years, I have seen the impact that giving back in some way – whether that takes the form of financial support, mentorship, or event sponsorship – can have a profound impact on someone's life and there is nothing that makes you feel better than that."

Currently the senior executive vice president and chief operating officer at Flushing Financial, Grasso has more than 35 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry. In addition to her professional career and her commitment to Hofstra University and the athletics program, Grasso is also heavily involved with the United Way of Long Island and has served has a board member for more than 20 years. She is also a board trustee and co-chair of the golf committee for the American Kidney Fund.