Navigating barriers: A qualitative examination of the under-representation of Black females as head coaches in collegiate basketball

Abstract

Although sport management researchers have produced findings with regard to diversity in the leadership positions of college athletics, this examination has focused separately on gender ( Inglis, Danylchuk, & Pastore, 1996; Inglis, Danylchuk, & Pastore, 2000; Knoppers, Meyer, Ewing, & Forrest, 1991; NCAA, 2009a,b,c; Sartore & Cunningham, 2007) or race ( Cunningham & Sagas, 2004a, 2004b; Cunningham, Sagas, & Ashley, 2001; Cunningham, Bruening, & Straub, 2006). The current study, framed by intersectionality, identifies barriers contributing to the under-representation of Black women in head coaching jobs in Division I women's basketball in the United States. The assistant coaches cited access discrimination, lack of support, and prevalent stereotypes as barriers. In negotiating these barriers, the women discussed the importance of networking, mentoring and presenting “a proper image” for big-time athletics. To eradicate these barriers, the women recommended expanding job pools; more mentoring by athletic department personnel; and more development programs offered for young Black females.