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Degree

Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Physical Activity and Educational Services, 2002.

Abstract

The dearth of women coaches at the college level is an established fact (Acosta & Carpenter, 2002). The purpose of this study was to identify factors related to career longevity for women collegiate coaches of sports traditionally coached by men. A qualitative, multiple case study research design was employed (Merriam, 1998). The interrelationship of individual, structural, and social relations variables (Knoppers, 1992) were used as a theoretical framework. Four female collegiate cross country and track and field coaches at the NCAA division III level served as participants. Participants’ collegiate head coaching experience ranged from 16-26 years. Data collection methods included a life history, semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis (Marshall & Rossman, 1995). Each coach was visited three times throughout the course of her competitive season. Total days spent with each coach varied from 7-10. Data analysis consisted of within-case analysis and cross-case analysis (Merriam, 1998). To enhance internal validity, triangulation of data sources, peer debriefing, and member check methods were employed (Merriam, 1998). Career longevity enhancers included occupational socialization, program success, desire to work with athletes, institutional and professional commitment, access to power and resources, and personal and professional support systems primarily out of the workplace. Career challenges included feelings of isolation because of the lack of female coaching peers in their sports, gender harassment, especially early in their careers, and imbalanced coaching loads compared to other coaches at their institution. Further, each coach perceived the coaching profession as being “all-consuming” and made personal sacrifices in fully devoting themselves to the coaching profession. Coaches relied primarily on individual coping mechanisms such as exercise, problem solving abilities and “planned escapes” to confront the challenges. These findings suggest that support networks on multiple levels, success, and personal sacrifices were key factors for these women to persist in a male dominated profession. It is hoped that these findings may assist women who aspire to be career coaches and athletic administrators in their quest to retain women coaches.

Keywords

Career Longevity; Coaching; Women Coaches; Case Studies; Social Relations; Track and Field

Advisor

Mary O'Sullivan

Pages

xiv, 233p.

Document number: osu1022856180
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1022856180

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