Masters Thesis

Collegiate Female Assistant Coaches: A Qualitative Examination of Their Experiences and Intentions.

Although there has been an increase in female participation in sport since the enactment of Title IX in 1972, there has been a dramatic decrease in the number of female head coaches. In 2014, Acosta and Carpenter reported the highest number of female paid assistant coaches, yet the representation of females as head coaches of women's teams remains low. The purpose of this research study is to explore the experiences of collegiate female assistant coaches along with their intentions to become a head coach. Three research questions were formulated: 1) What are the perceived opportunities for females to enter into coaching? 2) What are the perceived reasons why female assistant coaches may or may not aspire to become a head coach? 3) What are the perceptions of mentoring and the intent to pursue a head coaching position? To address these research questions, a qualitative approach was taken using in-person interviews. These interviews were used to gain an in-depth explanation of why collegiate female assistant coaches may or may not choose to become head coaches. Ten coaches were interviewed for the study (4 soccer, 3 basketball, 2 waterpolo, 1 track & field). Coaches were limited to the Northern California area from the NCAA Division II and Junior College schools. The interviews were analyzed based on grounded theory, which focuses on the meanings and experiences of the participants during the coding process. Four main themes emerged from the data analysis: entry into coaching; intentions and perceptions of becoming a head coach; the influence of mentoring on their coaching; summative thoughts on becoming a head coach. Athletic departments and sport organizations could use this information to create a work environment for female coaches that provides the resources necessary to keep them in the coaching profession. Programs within athletic departments that connect female coaches in mentoring relationships may give these coaches the opportunity to learn from each other and discuss the barriers they have encountered and strategies they use to be a successful female coach. Coaching education about becoming a coach from the female perspective, same-sex mentoring relationships, and more effective resources are needed not only to retain female coaches in the profession but able to recruit new coaches.

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