Important Findings on Women in Coaching
By Kristi Sweeney and Dr. Nancy Lough

Kristi Sweeney from Xavier University and Dr. Nancy Lough (NACWAA/HERS 2004W graduate) from the University of New Mexico recently completed research on “The Relationship of Family Commitment and Career Salience Among Coaches of Elite NCAA Division I-A Women’s Programs.”
 
The study examined head and assistant coaches of women’s sport at elite NCAA D-I conference schools to determine if a gender difference existed on the measures of career salience and family commitment. Previous research had suggested that women coaches were not as committed to career as men coaches, and that women would choose the mommy-track and thus, leave coaching.
 
However, their study indicates primarily that women are just as committed to coaching careers as men coaches. Women are more committed to family, but ultimately the women of today are seeking to do both (like men), not choose one over the other. This is an important finding because it indicates that in order to keep more women in coaching, work needs to be done to assist them with balancing work and family. They suggested that assistance could be provided by mentoring, networking and improving the work environment.
 
Ms. Sweeney and Dr. Lough have completed other studies on career paths, profiles, aspirations and perceived challenges of all intercollegiate women athletics directors (D-I, D-II and D-III) and SWAs. If interested, please contact Dr. Lough at loughn@unm.edu.