President Richard Nixon signed into law the Education Amendments of 1972, legislation best known for Title IX, which prevented sex-based discrimination in schools receiving federal funds. Although the law makes no mention of athletics, one of its most obvious effects was the creation of women's sports programs at most US high schools and colleges.

Pepperdine did not have officially sponsored intercollegiate sports teams for women in 1972. Women's basketball, volleyball, cross country, and tennis were launched in the mid 70s.