Breaking Down Barriers: An Investigation into the Lack of Female Head Coaches in NCAA Affiliated Institutions

Authors

Steve Chen

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Spring 2020

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the rationales behind the gender disparity between male and female head coaches at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) affiliated institutions. Intercollegiate female athletic participation is at an all-time high. Yet, more women find male coaches coaching their sports. This study aimed to determine what hinders women from pursuing and obtaining head coaching positions at the collegiate level in either gender sports. Interviews were conducted in two different phases with two groups of NCAA Division-I female coaches (n = 22 and 8, respectively) in the southeast United States. The findings addressed the barriers and challenges faced by female coaches while trying to be a head coach and their thoughts for pursuing coaching opportunities in men’s sports. As past studies had identified, negative stereotypes and misconceptions about female coaches clearly affect respondents’ perceptions about pursuing a head coaching position. Networking was highly valued as a critical factor for obtaining and keeping positions. Researchers believed with more female role-model coaches being hired by the professional leagues, this trend would inspire more women to strive for leadership and coaching positions in the sports world.

Recommended Citation

KY Shape Journal, 57(2), 42–56.