First in a series. Women are missing out on millions in athletic scholarships. Colleges spend three times more money recruiting men, and twice as much running men's teams. Coaches of men's teams are paid an average of 40 percent more than coaches of women's teams. Still, an estimated 90 percent of colleges nationally fail to comply.
Many schools blame the size and cost of football for their unbalanced programs.
But courts say that's no excuse, and a few colleges nationally are proving the others wrong. Pressure to close the gender gap is building as girls flock to youth sports by the millions. They're backed by courts that consistently side with women athletes. Youth shut out of sports miss crucial lessons in teamwork, performing under pressure, and persevering after a loss, experts say. Studies show girls who grow up physically active have more self-esteem and less depression.