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 Q&A is with longtime Head Volleyball Coach Fran Kalafer. Fran Kalafer closed her 25-year Hofstra coaching career in July 2006 with a record of 590-316 and had a 612-343 overall mark in 28 seasons, including three at Stony Brook University. One of the winningest coaches in collegiate volleyball and an inaugural inductee into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Fran was 11th among active coaches on the Division I victory list before retiring. During her Hofstra tenure, Fran coached five NCAA Tournament teams, four National Invitational Volleyball Championship squads and 14 conference championship teams. 

Q: You arrived at Hofstra at a time of incredible importance in the growth of women's athletics at the University. How were you able to make such an impact early on?
A: Fortunately, Hofstra University and the Women's Athletic Director were recruiting a "first" full-time Woman Head Coach. The requirements at the time (1981) were to coach tennis (10%) and volleyball (90%). I was a driven and interested candidate in that "Net Sports" were my specialty, and I wanted to help create as much opportunity for female student-athletes to participate and receive scholarships. I was tremendously motivated by the fact that as a girl, I was not allowed to participate in my high school sports program. I could beat every boy on the tennis team but wasn't allowed to play for the school. I learned early on and strongly believe: "You have to fight and sometimes you have to fight every day!"

Q: In your athletic and coaching career you spent time at various institutions. What did you learn from those early years of Title IX that allowed you to continue to succeed throughout your years in college athletics?
A: "You have to fight and sometimes you have to fight every day!"
Women are discriminated against every day. The volleyball team was often more successful than other Hofstra teams but they were not revered as much as the men's teams. Over time attitudes have changed towards women's athletics. We still have a ways to go but we are a lot closer. One thing I learned was that the best "feminists" were the fathers of our female student-athletes. These dads saw the world through their daughters' eyes and wanted the best for them. They didn't understand why their girls didn't get the same opportunities that they had when they played sports. The dads were particularly awesome. They fully supported their daughters and our team!

Q: During your career, you continued to fight for women's athletics. How important was the message you were sending to your student-athletes as they advanced through your program and prepared for life after college? 
A: I used to tell the incoming fresh(wo)men that this "course" (being on the team) was going to be the longest, most challenging course they would take at Hofstra. Four years of training, growing, improving, learning in the classroom and learning to work with others, plus intercollegiate competition. This fight for women's athletics was, in fact, another lesson. The message was that we all had to fight on the court, work hard for grades, fight for equal treatment, funding, and support. In losing, learn from your mistakes and in winning, be humble and value everyone's contributions. I was so lucky to have Cindy Lewis, my boss, as our lead. Cindy always supported ALL sports, student-athletes and coaches. Cindy was ALWAYS a large part of the solution. She also positively impacted many of our volleyball athletes. Personally, I feel this was the message: "You have to fight and sometimes you have to fight every day!"

Q: The Hofstra volleyball program is arguably one of the most successful athletic programs in the history of Hofstra athletics. Looking back what makes you so proud of what you and your program were able to do and the program is still able to do today?
A: I'm so proud of the wonderful student-athletes that have come through our program as well as the talented staff I had the privilege of working with. Elaine Roque's presence and influence on our program was monumental. I know that the example Elaine set still motivates today. How incredibly fortunate we all were to work with her. The emphasis in recruiting was ALWAYS excellent students and tremendous POTENTIAL as athletes. I had great faith in our ability to teach. So, we "imagined" what each could become on the court. A favorite time of the year was always individual lessons. One of my greatest pleasures is to continually hear from former players and assistant coaches. I'm proud that so many still want to be connected. I must have done something right. Lastly, I am particularly proud of our present Head Coach, Emily Mansur. I love Emily's competitive spirit, willingness to teach, learn, and motivate. Hofstra University and Emily's student-athletes are so lucky to have her!
"You have to fight and sometimes you have to fight every day!"

Q: What advice would you give a young female athlete about being successful?
A: She must be willing to work and be open to coaches' suggestions, keeping an open mind. She needs to stay focused on the long-term goals. It takes repetition and hard work to be good. Keep your eye on the prize but in the meantime, enjoy the process and the journey. Remember: "You have to fight and sometimes you have to fight every day!"