Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Executive Leadership

First Supervisor

Dr. Daniele Lyman- Torres

Second Supervisor

Dr. Cheryl McGruder Holloway

Abstract

Despite an active legislation that mandates impartiality on the basis of sex under any educational program, many schools still have discriminatory policies (Fabrikant, 2018). Many times, the policies benefit the dominance of men as coaches and athletic administrators, which displays an unequal representation on the leadership side of college sports (Belkoff, 2020). The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to explore the status of women in collegiate sports leadership positions within an athletic program in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I level. Through interviews with six to 10 women who were women executive leaders currently employed as head coaches, athletic directors, directors of operations, or senior administrators at the NCAA Division I level, the lived experiences of how those roles were achieved were explored. The interview questions and study were guided by the role congruity theory framework. While the study was open to all women, all participants who volunteered identified as Black women, offering a unique lens into the compounded challenges of gender and racial bias in collegiate athletics. Common themes included gender inequity, limited mentorship, underrepresentation, and systemic barriers rooted in sports’ historically male-dominated culture. Participants also emphasized the importance of resilience, informal mentorship, and opportunities for growth within supportive environments. The findings underscore the need for intentional structural changes in collegiate athletics, including inclusive leadership development initiatives, equitable hiring practices, and stronger mentorship and sponsorship pipelines. Although the participants’ experiences reflected intersectional challenges, the implications offer broad insight into improving access, equity, and support for all women aspiring to leadership roles in sports.

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