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On June 17, 2019 Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an executive order establishing the Task Force on Women in Sports. The goal of the task force will be to develop recommendations for legislation, policies, and programs to address problems in access to sports for Michigan women and girls in sports. A statement from Governor Whitmer’s office said that female athletes routinely face lower levels of investment, training resources, and safety assurances than male athletes.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

“Young girls and women who are participating in sports in Michigan deserve the same opportunities as their male counterparts. These possibilities extend well beyond time on the playing field,” Governor Whitmer said. “Playing basketball in high school allowed me to develop leadership skills while learning about the importance of teamwork.”

Among those named to the task force are University of Michigan associate dean for Graduate Affairs, professor of Sport Management, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Lead for the School of Kinesiology Ketra Armstrong, and University of Michigan softball coach and National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame member Carol Hutchins.