Student-athlete Shayna Myshrall’s curiosity about equity in collegiate sports led to a thesis that was named the “Outstanding Student Thesis” in Niagara University’s M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies program. The special acknowledgement is given to students who complete an exceptional thesis that combines the main strengths of several different disciplines in an outstanding synthesis and creates new knowledge that advances society in a significant way.
“The M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies ‘Outstanding Student Thesis’ award is not automatically awarded each year,” said Dr. Shannon Risk, professor of history and a member of Myshrall’s capstone advisory committee. “In this case, Shayna's work encompassed sports management, political science, women's studies, finance, sport psychology, mathematics, statistics, and law. Typically, an MAIS thesis may use two or three different disciplines, but Shayna adroitly navigated many in order to create something unique.”
Myshrall, a Syracuse, N.Y., native, has been a member of Niagara’s softball team since her undergraduate freshman year. She became interested in learning more about Title IX, which requires colleges and universities to provide equitable opportunities for male and female athletes, while talking with her peers about their experiences. Using Niagara athletics as a case study, Myshrall surveyed student-athlete perceptions of Title IX compliance to determine if they align with actual compliance, especially in terms of benefits and treatment. Her own athletic and academic experience, both at NU and as a student at Syracuse University College of Law, gave her a strong background to explore the topic.
“As a college softball player at Niagara, I have personally experienced many of the challenges and complexities involved in balancing sports and equity,” she noted in her thesis. “As a law student, I am able to deeply engage with the legal frameworks that shape Title IX compliance in athletics. And as a previous math undergraduate, I value the power of data analysis to uncover patterns and inform recommendations. These overlapping perspectives allow me to approach this research project with both a personal understanding of the lived experiences of student-athletes and an analytical lens to evaluate compliance through both qualitative and legal means.”
Myshrall used data and statistics to evaluate two of the main three components of Title IX compliance: participation and scholarships. Because the third component, benefits and treatment, is more subjective, she relied on information she gleaned from current student-athletes.
Her research suggested that although a school may be compliant with the objectively measured Title IX equity requirements, it may not necessarily be compliant with the more subjective laundry list of benefits and treatments.
“Ultimately, Title IX compliance demands not just compliance on paper, but genuine equity in athletics,” she said.
“Shayna is a rare student who has managed to develop into a truly interdisciplinary thinker,” said Dr. Maritza Branker, associate professor of mathematics, who served as Myshrall’s capstone advisor. “She represents the best qualities of the liberal arts tradition and encapsulates the Vincentian values effortlessly. Her thesis synthesizes a deep understanding of multiple fields, and it was a joy to guide her on her intellectual journey; watching her flourish from her undergraduate years as an NU math major to her multiple graduate pursuits has been a privilege and joy.”
Myshrall will graduate from law school in spring 2026 and is considering a career in sports law. “This research helped me build skills in legal analysis and policy evaluation that are directly relevant to a career in sports law,” she said.