DENVER – MSU Denver has for decades been a leader in providing equal opportunities for women in intercollegiate athletics.
 
Today is the 24th installment of a 52-part tribute by Roadrunners Athletics to pioneers and leaders in intercollegiate athletics at MSU Denver.

Each Thursday, a key female figure in Roadrunners athletics history will be recognized.
 
Today, basketball star Holly Roberts is featured.
 
A premier defender, Roberts was the first player in school history (men or women) to compile 1,000 points (1,383) and 1,000 rebounds (1,264). In her sophomore season, Roberts led the team in scoring and rebounding with 16.8 points and 14.2 rebounds per game (second in NCAA Division II).  She also blocked a single-season school record of 76 shots, and then matched that two seasons later.

She holds single game records for rebounds, with 27 against Regis on Feb. 23, 1991, and blocked shots (later tied) with eight against Regis on Jan. 30, 1993.

For her career, Roberts averaged 12.7 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. She still holds single-season marks for rebounds (398) and rebound average (14.2).  On the career list, she is first all-time in rebounds (1,267) and blocked shots (261), second in free throws made (451) and first in free throws attempted (681).

Roberts was the Colorado Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 1991-92 and was an All-CAC pick for three straight years (1991-93). She also participated in the 1991 U.S. Olympic Festival North Regional Trials. In addition, Roberts was a Denver Post All-Small College first team selection as a senior.

Roberts' No. 50 was retired after her playing career ended. She was inducted into the Roadrunners Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.
 
Title IX, the groundbreaking law prohibiting sex-based discrimination at schools that receive funding from the federal government, went into effect just over 50 years ago – on June 23, 1972.