Topeka native Susan (Schober) True was a pioneer for Title IX from a work career she started in Kansas.

True sung the praises of Title IX from the time she was hired as Washburn University's gymnastics coach in 1972.

"I began my heavy involvement in promoting Title IX and athletic competition for girls while at Washburn," she said. "Title IX passed and I became a real advocate for Title IX.

 "I was able to have impact when I went to work with the National Federation.  I had a platform because I worked at the National Federation. I served on the board of directors of three Olympic sports. I was a member of the Women's Sports Foundation board of trustees."

True is a hall of fame recipient for the KSHSAA (2017), National Federation of State High School Associations and the United States Tennis Association's Heart of America. She received the Frier Award from USA Volleyball, the sport's highest volunteer award.

What's amazing is True made a major impact with Title IX opportunities even though she never competed in high school or collegiate sports. She always believed women should have an equal opportunity to compete in sports activities.

"I never participated in competitive sports," she said. "Most women in leadership positions in physical education truly believed it would be physically and mentally harmful to girls and women to participate in competitive sports."

True credits her mother Flourine Stutz Schober and her father Robert "Scotty" Schober for teaching her the value of education. Her father worked as an architect for the state of Kansas. When she was a youngster, she watched her father play tennis and softball.

True married her high school sweetheart Fred True in 1958. They both graduated from Kansas State University and she earned her master's degree from the University of Kansas.

"Sports played a big role in my professional life," she said. "I was given many amazing opportunities and had a very supportive husband."

True grew up wanting to pursue a physical education career. The last thing she wanted was a "desk job."

"I wanted to be a physical educator since junior high," she said. "I knew I didn't want a desk job, which I had the 20 years I worked for the National Federation."

Her first level of expertise came when she was hired as gymnastics coach at Washburn University. Washburn developed into a gymnastics family affair.

"I was an experienced judge," she said. "The coach who retired helped me. I attended camps to learn the details of coaching gymnastics.  I thoroughly enjoyed teaching, and enjoyed the close relation with the gymnasts. My husband studied my gymnastics books, went to clinics and worked to be a coach and spotter. Our son, Scott, attended many Cramer clinics and worked as our student athletic trainer."

True's involvement with multiple sports at the NFHS is legendary.

"What I enjoyed most about the work at the National Federation was working with the seven committees responsible for volleyball, gymnastics, field hockey, boys and girls swimming, water polo and spirit," she said. "You learn a lot because the approach to the sports varies from region to region. There were representatives from eight Federation sections on each committee.  I developed into the role of national rule interpreter."

True made a landmark decision when the National Federation swimming committee became the first to permit the flip turn on the backstroke after a recommendation from U.S. swimming and the NCAA.

"I handled many calls from men who stated that, of course, we did something that stupid since a woman was the administrator in charge," True said. "Actually FINA (International Federation of Swimming) called a special meeting and adopted the flip turn in mid-season."

True donated her "spare time" locally in the Kansas City metro area.

"Tied into my efforts to promote girls and women in sports, while I was involved with the Women's Sports Foundation, three of us in Kansas City spearheaded the founding of the Women's Intersport Network of Kansas City – a part of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission," she said. "That organization has gone far beyond our wildest dreams at promoting sports and fitness for girls and women."

In honor of its 100th anniversary in 2020, the USTA Missouri Valley recognized 100 deserving tennis providers. The Gold Star award recognized contributions that grew the game in the USTA Missouri Valley.
True volunteered at the local and section level for 20 years.

"I feel so honored the people who work so hard with tennis everyday would think my contributions were enough to receive this award," True said.

True's love for tennis was ignited when her godson asked to sponsor a summer tennis team. She served as Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of USTA Missouri Valley. She chaired the Awards Committee at the Kansas City Explorers World Team Tennis matches.

"I was fortunate to work on several USTA committees," she said. "It was a wonderful experience."

She suggested the USTA send a representative to the NFHS's summer meeting, and played a role in assuring the NFHS that the USTA was there to help.

"My role was to help the national governing body understand what the role of high schools were," True said. "We wanted to help them out."

Her volleyball honor was equally appreciated.

"My greatest honor other than NF and KSHSAA Hall of Fame induction was receiving the Frier Award from USA Volleyball," she said. "It's the highest volunteer award not given to a coach or a player.  I was honored to receive the USTA-Heart of America Hall of Fame induction last year."

We are grateful to partner with WIN for KC, an organization with the mission to empower the lives of girls and women by advocating and promoting the lifetime value of sports through opportunities for participation and leadership development. WIN for KC and the KSHSAA believe involvement in activities and sports lay the ground work for supporting well-rounded citizens in our communities and beyond. For more on WIN for KC visit: https://www.sportkc.org/win-for-kc