Lely 1977 Regional Champs Title IX Trailblazers

“Title IX carved our path,” recalls Amy Disseler, a member of the first - and only - Lely girls basketball team to win a regional title back in 1977. “I never looked back. I relished all the opportunities to play all the sports anywhere, anytime. That was a huge door that opened for women’s athletics.”

Title IX is a federal law passed in 1972 to ensure that male and female students and employees in educational settings are treated equally and fairly. To achieve compliance with Title IX, schools must adhere to the three components: accommodating student interests, proportional financial assistance, and equal benefits and opportunities. Title IX was - and continues to be - a major boon to female athletes across the country. Title IX was just beginning to be implemented when the Lely girls’ basketball team was making its historic run back in 1977.

When this year’s Lely girls advanced to the Class 5A Region 13 title game on Thursday, February 22, people were talking about the 1977 team who played in just the second girls’ basketball championship in the history of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). Things were different then. There were just four classes: Class A-Class 4A. There were regionals, sectionals, semifinals, and a championship game in each class. 

By comparison, today we have seven classes: Class A- Class 7A, with regionals, semifinals, and a championship game in each class. The sectional round was eliminated after 1993.

The 1977 Trojans finished the year 15-3, winning the Region 6 title before losing to Leesburg, 45-33, in the Class 3A sectional tournament. Leesburg advanced to the state finals where they lost to Hallandale, 61-32. 

Disseler still recalls the feeling of losing to Leesburg some 47 years later.

"It was a huge gymnasium,” Disseler said, "We knew we were losing and we couldn’t catch up. When the final buzzer sounded it was like we all felt a slap in the face. It was humbling for sure and the most quiet bus ride home ever. We were completely devastated with the loss.”

Undoubtedly, the girls on the 2024 Trojans can relate to Disseler’s words after losing in the Class 5A Region 13 championship game to Port Charlotte, 63-49. The two teams are linked in LHS sports history.

Disseler learned life lessons as an athlete at Lely.

“Mostly, it was the importance of being part of the school,” Disseler said. "It gave us meaning and a sense of purpose. No one will ever take that pride from you. We earned it together. And I know it shaped our lives. It certainly shaped mine. I knew I was capable of accomplishing anything I put my mind to. It took effort and focus and sacrifice but what great lessons to learn as a teenager.”

The 1977 Trojans were led by Nancy Duffner, who was the team’s MVP. She was also the volleyball team’s MVP. Duffner, Disseler, Vivi Evans, Holly Lauth, and Anita Sorrenti were all Marco Islanders.

“Our team leaders were Nancy Duffner of course, Gina Washburn and Vivi Evans. We all looked up to them. We were friends off the court.”

The 1977 Trojans were coached by Jackie Anthony, who lost her life in a tragic automobile accident on S.R. 951 while returning from a coaching clinic in Orlando with another coach, who was also killed in the accident.

Disseler, who was honored as the team’s most improved player as a sophomore in 1977. She was a team captain for Anthony as a senior in 1979.

"Coach Anthony was tough,” Disseler said. "She was all in. No goofing around. It was all focus and hard work. But when she smiled, you knew we did good.” 

Disseler’s memories of the 1977 team are like snapshots in time.

“I remember the smile on Coach Anthony’s face after we'd win a game,” she said. "The nicknames we had for each other. Big Nance for Nancy Duffner, Anita Sorrenti was Neats. They called me Lil Amy. I remember the school bus rides to the away games and coming home after a victory. The recognition at school from your classmates the next day after a game. We did high-fives back then. No fist pumps or little jigs like they do today.”

The 1977 team didn’t enjoy the big crowds like this year’s Trojans experienced in the playoffs.

"We got some fan support back then,” Disseler said. "Parents and family members mostly. My dad came to every game. So did Gina Washburn's dad.”

Disseler feels strongly about the 1977 Trojans’ place in history.

“Total pioneers,” Disseler said proudly. "We set the bar for female athletics at Lely High School. I am quite certain our trophies were the first of many.”