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 native of Port Jefferson, New York and a four-year standout for the Dolphins, Danielle Della Rocca was a three-time First Team All-ASUN selection and was twice named to the ASUN All-Tournament team, while earning ASUN Player of the Year honors as a senior in 2017 and a spot on the ASUN All-Freshman team in 2014. During her career, JU claimed four ASUN regular season titles, three ASUN tournament titles and made three appearances in the NCAA Tournament.
Della Rocca served as a women's lacrosse graduate assistant from 2017 to 2019. She has served as the Director of Operations for the men's and women's lacrosse programs since 2019.
A two-time graduate of JU, Della Rocca earned a Bachelor's degree in Sport Business in 2017 and earned her Master's of Business Administration in 2019.
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?
Della Rocca: Title IX has positively impacted female student athletes by giving women's sports the resources and attention that is extremely deserved.
Q: What impact has sports had on your personal and professional life?
Della Rocca: Sports have given me so much. Personally, I have made my best friendships and memories from middle school to present day through sports. Professionally, sports have allowed me to find a passion in work of serving others and has taught valuable life lessons and skills.
Q: What lessons as it relates to Title IX and women in sports have helped you throughout your career?
Della Rocca: Being a woman working in a men's sport, I am grateful for the equal opportunity of being judged on my ability and competence and feel lucky to be able to hold the position I do.
Q: What advice would you give to young women who like to build a successful career working in sports?
Della Rocca: Work hard, be humble, and build has many relationships as you can. The sports world is much smaller than you think and the more people you meet, the more opportunities you will have.
Original source can be found here.
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