Collegiate Athletes' Perceptions of the Coaching Profession

Abstract

In this study, we examined college athletes' interest in and perceptions of the coaching profession. A total of 201 U.S. Division I athletes (100 males, 101 females; 119 White, 81 minority, 1 race unknown) completed measures of a) their intention of entering the coaching profession, b) reasons they would want to enter the coaching profession, c) perceived barriers that would prohibit them from considering the coaching profession, and d) their perception of discrimination in the coaching profession. Results indicated that men were more likely than women to intend to enter coaching at the Division I and professional levels. Gender and racial differences were found in reasons for entering the coaching profession and barriers that prohibit athletes from entering the profession. Women were more likely than men to agree that male and female coaches were treated differently and minority athletes were more likely than White athletes to agree that coaches are treated differently in sport based on their race/ethnicity These results may partly explain the lack of women and minority coaches.