Committee Chair

Crawford, Elizabeth K.

Committee Member

Rausch, David W.; Taylor, Jessica N.; Blackman, Emily

Department

Dept. of Applied Leadership and Learning

College

College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

Since the induction of Title IX, women and girls had made significant advancements in sports participation. However, there has been a sharp decline in female representation in athletic leadership positions. This study examined the relationship between female athletes' perceived levels of self-efficacy and their willingness to explore a career in athletic coaching. The research focused on the impact of relationships between female athletes and their female coaches, utilizing the Leadership Scale for Sport to evaluate attributes such as training and instruction, democratic behavior, autocratic behavior, social support, positive feedback. This study addressed key research questions that investigated the perceived influence of female coaches on athletes' self-efficacy and the predictability of interest in coaching careers. Current female coaches articulated the significance of mentorship and role models in their professional pursuits. Findings shed light on how female athletes’ perceptions of their coaches influenced career aspirations and contributed to addressing the gender gap in coaching roles. The results had implications for hiring practices in collegiate and athletic organizations, emphasizing the importance of inclusive leadership and professional development for coaches. This study fostered a deeper understanding of the dynamics between female athletes and female coaches, ultimately supporting strategies to reverse the decline of women in athletic leadership roles.

Acknowledgments

This dissertation represents the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and the unwavering support of many individuals and communities who have played an integral role in this journey. First and foremost, I extend my deepest gratitude to my dissertation committee: Dr. Crawford, Dr. Rausch, Dr. Taylor, and Dr. Blackman. Your guidance, expertise, and encouragement have been invaluable. Thank you for challenging me to think critically, supporting me through every obstacle, and believing in the potential of my work. To my professors at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, your dedication to education and your passion for cultivating leadership in others have inspired me and shaped my academic path. To my incredible cohort, C13, you have been a source of camaraderie, inspiration, and strength. A special thank you to my cohort bestie, Belinda Martin. Your friendship has been a gift, and your constant encouragement has kept me grounded through the most challenging times. To my friends and family, thank you for your sacrifices and unwavering support. Your love and belief in me have been my foundation, and I am eternally grateful for all the ways you’ve stood by me during this journey. Lastly, to the women in the coaching profession: your resilience, leadership, and drive inspire me daily. This work is, in part, a tribute to your efforts and a commitment to furthering opportunities for women in sports and leadership.

Degree

Ph. D.; A dissertation submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Date

5-2025

Subject

Women athletes--Psychology; Women coaches (Athletics)--Psychology; Sports for women--Coaching

Keyword

female athletes; female athletics; role modeling; mentorship; self-efficacy

Document Type

Doctoral dissertations

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

xi, 103 leaves

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Additional Files
KING.DissertationDraft.4-11-2025.docx (900 kB)
Revision
Download

Share

COinS