With two separate organizations for male and female sports, Iowa’s heavy focus on women’s athletics sets it apart.
In 1925, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union was born. At the State Teacher’s Convention in 1925, it was decided that the Iowa High School Athletic Association would no longer sponsor girls’ high school basketball, leading to the formation of the IGHSAU, making Iowa the only state with two separate high school activity organizations split based on gender.
Tonya Moe (she/her), is the assistant director at IGHSAU. “I always knew the IGHSAU was an organization I wanted to be a part of,” Moe said. “I grew up as an Iowa girl participating in athletics, and I have always appreciated the opportunities this organization provides for female athletes across our state.”
Not only is Iowa the only state with two separate gender organizations, but it is also the only state with four separate organizations for high school activities. The IGHSAU supports the Iowa High School Speech Association and the IHSAA supports the Iowa High School Music Association to reduce costs.
“Separate programs allow us to focus directly on advocating for girls in athletics,” Moe said. “Our mission is to ensure female athletes receive the attention, resources and promotion they deserve. This structure helps guarantee that girls’ athletics remain a priority and that female athletes are always recognized and celebrated.”
Iowa’s early support for women’s sports doesn’t stop there. In 1949, 40,000 fans attended the Drake University Fieldhouse for the sold-out Iowa High School Girls State Basketball Tournament. Later in 1951, the tournament was televised, making it one of the first sports to be aired.
“At the IGHSAU, we organize and host all of the state championships, which requires a great deal of organization, planning and attention to detail,” Moe said.
The IGHSAU continues to make strides for girls’ high school sports. The girls’ state basketball tournament is now held at the Casey’s Center in Des Moines, and Coralville’s Xtream Arena will host the inaugural wrestling Iowa Girls State Dual Team Tournament in January 2027.
Improvement in women’s sports is not limited to athletes and the state of Iowa.
In 2025, there was a 24% increase over the past decade in women holding Athletic Director positions in the NCAA and a 13% increase in women NCAA head coaches.
“As both a coach and an Athletic Director, I developed strong relationships with the IGHSAU and admired the work they do. I feel very fortunate to now work for an organization where I can help make a difference for Iowa girls and continue to support opportunities for them through sports,” Moe said.
Having already broken barriers for women’s sports, Iowa broke the women’s basketball all-time attendance record for a single game at Kinnick Stadium, with 55,646 fans in attendance.
“Iowa has a long and proud tradition of supporting girls’ athletics. The passion from communities, schools, coaches and families creates an environment where female athletes are truly valued,” Moe said.
From the passing of Title IX in 1972, which requires gender equality in federally funded educational programs, to around 70,000 girls competing in Iowa high school athletics today, Iowa’s traditional and consistent support of women’s sports makes the state stand out.
“There is incredible pride in the ‘Iowa Girl,’” Moe said. ”The opportunities available here allow young women to grow not only as athletes, but also as leaders in their schools and communities.”
