Stanford women's basketball coach Tara VanDerveer

Title IX is credited with opening opportunities for female athletes across the nation. It was celebrated from the White House to Westwood last week in preparation for its 40th anniversary this past Saturday, June 23. There's a fantastic video below honoring the power of the law, including comments from Billie Jean King, Tara VanDerveer, Christine Brennan and Condoleeza Rice, among others.

The law isn't without controversy. While some blame Title IX for a decrease in opportunities for male athletes, including the near dismantling of collegiate gymnastics and wrestling, others point to the law's misapplication and the power of football as the forces behind the decline of those sports.

Still, no one can argue the incredibly positive impact Title IX has had in opening opportunities for female athletes. Without it, women's collegiate athletics would be a whisper of what they are today.

Learn more about Title IX here.