Karen Rudolph, author of “Sidelined No Longer: The Untold Story of Women’s College Sports”, will give an author talk on Sunday, April 19, at 4:30 p.m. (CST) in the Upper Student Union in Stamper Commons (1300 E Broadway, Columbia, MO 65201). Livestream will also be available on the Stephens College YouTube Channel. RSVP for the event here.

Hear from author Karen Rudolph as she traces the rise of women’s intercollegiate athletics through the experiences of pioneering leaders, including former Stephens College instructor and coach Jean Cerra (pictured below). Teaching at Stephens from 1971–1976, Cerra set rigorous academic and athletic expectations before moving to the University of Missouri to help build women’s sports programs. Jean Cerra taught courses in kinesiology, sports techniques, and the teaching of physical education, as well as supervising the secondary physical education training program.

Drawing from her own experience as a Title IX–era student-athlete, journalist, and coach, Karen highlights the determination of women who fought for equal funding, recognition, and opportunities. Their stories reveal that the true legacy of early women’s athletics extends beyond wins and championships to expanding opportunities for future generations.