But the new plan largely benefited three specific women's teams: ice hockey, softball and volleyball. Each was promised an elevation from "Level |II" to "Level I" status, meaning an expanded competition schedule and more funding for coaching travel and player recruitment.

The softball team received a junior varsity program and a tougher schedule with more NCAA Division I opponents.

But it is the women's volleyball team, which was the first to be promoted to "Level I," that has been the first to see the tangible effects of the extra backing.

Women's Volleyball Coach Jennifer Bates, for example, got a fulltime position and the opportunity to devote all of her energies to the team. Her predecessor, Wayne Lem, had to run a business while he coached "part-time."

In addition, transportation to games was upgraded from buses to vans, more money became available for recruiting and uniforms showed up on time, for a change.

"It's definitely an improvement," Bates said after the change was announced last fall. "Besides the actual funding, you know, the athletes have always been working hard, and for them to get this is just a real confidence booster."

"The bottom line is that with an increased budget comes increased benefits," said co-captain Rachel Heit '95.

Positive Mood.

The most important effect of the $250,000 may be the spirit it has inspired even among those teams that did not receive part of the pay-off.

"The mood of the athletes right now is pretty positive," women's crew coach Holly Hatton said in a recent interview.

And Hatton said that now that the conversation about women's athletics has started, no one will be able to stop it.

"Just the conversations about it made people more aware," Hatton said of Title IX. "These conversations should be ongoing. We should keep re-evaluating."

Now that the plan is in place, the athletics department may be banking that the money will quell complaints about its support of women's athletes.

There are already signs, however, that the spell of silence cast by the $250,000 may be wearing off. The football; men's hockey and men's basketball teams--all well--funded-could remain objects of resentment for some.

"[This plan] is a good first step," Hajek said last fall. "But I don't think there's equity now, and I don't think there will be even after the new plan is implemented."