There s never been a better time to be a female
athlete in college, but not so for female coaches. In
1972 when Title IX was enacted, over 90% of women s
athletics at the college level were coached by women.
By 2008, that had dropped by over half. Why do women
leave coaching even though they love being out on the
field with their athletes? Why do they give up jobs
they are passionate about? Christina Cruz, former
collegiate coach and member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic
Rowing Team, provides answers in Gender Games. She
summarizes research on the many reasons spurring
women to leave coaching, from inequities in resources
to discrimination and lack of communication. However,
Cruz s research goes one step further to reveal how
the inequities affect the way women think and feel
about themselves. Through the compelling stories of
five coaches, Cruz sheds light on the
micro-competitions in day-to-day relationships that
undermine coaches effectiveness in their jobs. A
must-read for coaches, administrators, and educators
at all levels who touch the field of athletics.
athlete in college, but not so for female coaches. In
1972 when Title IX was enacted, over 90% of women s
athletics at the college level were coached by women.
By 2008, that had dropped by over half. Why do women
leave coaching even though they love being out on the
field with their athletes? Why do they give up jobs
they are passionate about? Christina Cruz, former
collegiate coach and member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic
Rowing Team, provides answers in Gender Games. She
summarizes research on the many reasons spurring
women to leave coaching, from inequities in resources
to discrimination and lack of communication. However,
Cruz s research goes one step further to reveal how
the inequities affect the way women think and feel
about themselves. Through the compelling stories of
five coaches, Cruz sheds light on the
micro-competitions in day-to-day relationships that
undermine coaches effectiveness in their jobs. A
must-read for coaches, administrators, and educators
at all levels who touch the field of athletics.