The purpose of this paper is to present a historical overview of the role of women in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) since the demise of the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW). The paper traces the reluctance of some men and women to form this uneasy alliance. The paper presents evidence showing that the NCAA recognizes that women's athletics are part of the organization and that they deserve recognition and concern. However, the paper also shows that when substantive changes in the NCAA appeared imminent and the degree of recognition approached proportional equity, the pervasive and strong loyalty to the status quo quelled any proactive legislation that might include equal voice for reform in the organization.