By Kory Moore
While reflecting on her past, Julia Ann Powell, 2008 Dorothy Harris Endowed scholarship winner, remembered her first influence in the world of sports as a 15-year-old manager for the boys’ basketball team at her high school. That initial experience started something that would affect the following years of her life in ways she could never imagine. Her love of sports grew, and with it, a passion to reach women and girls in athletics through teaching, service and example.
Powell graduated from Union University in Jackson, Tenn., with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and went on to receive a master’s degree in the same area. As she saw Title IX increase the number of opportunities for girls and women in sport she also noted that ironically there was a decline in the number of females entering coaching and sport management programs. In attempt to help reverse this situation she has chosen to go even further with her education by pursuing a doctorate degree in sport management at North Central University in Arizona.
Powell’s career goals encompass the same values of Dr. Dorothy Harris. Powell strives to be and effective educator, helpful advisor and a facilitator for leadership positions in
athletic careers. Similarly, Dr. Harris was a leader in women’s sports for more than 40 years, promoting the positive benefits of participation in sports and battled for equal sporting opportunities.
Powell has advice for young females in the sports world: “Go for your dream. Women are no longer bound by the limits once placed on females in the industry. However, I think it’s also important not to sacrifice who you are in order to succeed in this industry. Although there may be situations where a woman feels restricted in her job because of outdated mentality, there are many positions where a woman can be a woman and a leader at the same time.”