2026-10-11T11:02:02Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/33965719 2026-09-22T14:45:23Z category_45 category_734 category_106 category_122 portal_87 item_type_3 month_year_09_2026

Women of color collegiate head coaches experiences of mistreatment and its effects: a qualitative analysis Carmyn J. Hayes (25090582) Trent A. Petrie (7240826) Cachet Lue (25090585) Sociology Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified Science Policy Mental Health target =' _blank received fewer resources lower pay compared hiring practices – g ., hair ensure consistent implementation encourage athletic conferences across workplace settings gendered racial microaggressions experienced ongoing slights reflexive thematic analysis collegiate athletic departments surviving .</ p relationships .</ p athletes .</ p gendered racism experienced woc experiencing discrimination 14 woc division woc head coaches p >< p gendered racism head coaches experienced dis qualitative analysis collegiate level woc coaches provide woc underrepresentation may taking strides sports results sexist systems rooney rule regular evaluations promotes thriving previous studies policy similar policies regarding nfl ’ men counterparts individuals within including student <p>Across workplace settings, women of color (WOC) experience mistreatment in the form of gendered racism or gendered racial microaggressions. Collegiate athletic departments are another setting in which the historical whiteness of sports results in WOC experiencing discrimination. Such mistreatment and discrimination have been found to negatively affect WOC’s psychological well-being and physical health. However, research on the experiences of WOC head coaches (HCs) and the effects of their experiences on their well-being has been overlooked; previous studies have been limited by sampling and method of data collection (i.e., retrospective). Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of mistreatment of 14 WOC Division I HCs and how these mistreatments have affected their health and well-being. Through reflexive thematic analysis, and a critical paradigm, we concluded that the WOC HCs (a) were questioned about their competence, (b) were constantly evaluated by their appearance (e.g., hair, attire), (c) were excluded and received fewer resources and lower pay compared to men counterparts, (d) had experienced ongoing slights and lacked support, and (e) had experienced dis-health as a result. The WOC HCs experienced myriad mistreatments that affected their psychological and physical well-being and their ability to consistently show up and perform well as a coach; both effects cheat their players, teams, families, and institution. Although the NCAA is taking strides to improve inclusivity, more is needed (e.g., cultural competence/humility trainings, regular evaluations) to create an environment of equity and inclusion for WOC coaches that promotes thriving as opposed to just surviving.</p> <p>Women of color (WOC) represent only 6.8% of head coaches (HCs) at the Division I collegiate level (NCAA, <a target="_blank" href="#CIT0043">2025</a>); such underrepresentation may be due to racist and sexist systems. Interviews with 14 WOC HCs identified various forms of gendered racism experienced, and the effects these mistreatments had on their well-being and relationships.</p> <p></p><p>Improve trainings – Athletic departments must increase awareness of cultural competence, humility, and biases of all individuals within the department, including student-athletes.</p><p>Accountability – Athletic departments must establish clear accountability structures to ensure consistent implementation of policies regarding the support of WOC HCs.</p><p>Mental health resources – Cultivate community- or group-based support that provide WOC with supportive and empowering networks.</p><p>Hiring practices – The NCAA should encourage athletic conferences to implement a policy similar to NFL’s Rooney Rule to improve representation of WOC HCs.</p><p></p> <p>Improve trainings – Athletic departments must increase awareness of cultural competence, humility, and biases of all individuals within the department, including student-athletes.</p> <p>Accountability – Athletic departments must establish clear accountability structures to ensure consistent implementation of policies regarding the support of WOC HCs.</p> <p>Mental health resources – Cultivate community- or group-based support that provide WOC with supportive and empowering networks.</p> <p>Hiring practices – The NCAA should encourage athletic conferences to implement a policy similar to NFL’s Rooney Rule to improve representation of WOC HCs.</p> 2026-09-22T14:45:23Z Dataset Dataset 10.6084/m9.figshare.33965719.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/Women_of_color_collegiate_head_coaches_experiences_of_mistreatment_and_its_effects_a_qualitative_analysis/33965719 CC BY 4.0