Several decades after women had joined their male peers in the University's classrooms, their extracurricular interests in sports and fitness still remained somewhat of a mystery to the rest of campus. According to the archives of the Bentley Historical Library, a University report published in 1894 speculated that "the favorite amusements of the college girls are walking and tennis."

In 1896, long before the days of a female athletics program, Dr. Eliza Mosher was hired as the University's first Dean of Women and personally oversaw physical training and health of female students.

The Women's Athletic Association organized athletic, recreational and social activities for female students on campus. As opposed to promoting female athletics or competition, the events functioned primarily to encourage overall heath and fitness.

Basketball burst onto the female sports scene in 1898, making it the first competitive team sport available for women. During its exhibition called "Open Day," male spectators were allowed into the gymnasium by invitation only.

In accordance with national guidelines, Women's Athletic Association teams couldn't participate in intercollegiate competition until 1920. Before then, women began rivalries and interclass matches to quench their thirst for competition.

Female athletes also joined local groups to compete.

But while women's participation in athletics became more prevalent over time, certain social expectations remained. In 1907, a female student caused a bang when she showed off her considerable shooting skills in front of the men's rifle club.

According to reports, "The men were amazed, dismayed, and hoped that she would not compete for a position on their team."

Margaret Bell, the Director of Physical Education for Women from 1923 to 1957, didn't support varsity competition for women, believing it wasn't a woman's place to compete and fearing that athletics could have adverse effects on the female reproductive system.

A push to increase University funding for female athletics began in the 1960s.

In 1972, the U.S. Congress passed the landmark Title IX of the Education Amendment Act, banning sexual discrimination in all education programs receiving federal funding. By 1974, the University had established six varsity teams for women.

Since then, many female alums have gone on to compete in the Olympics. Of them, diver Micki King is the only gold medalist.