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Dissertation Information
Title: A Proposed Organizational Model To Increase Women Coaches In Elite Alpine Skiing: Learning From The U.S. Cross-Country Initiative
Program: Master of Science in Kinesiology
Advisor: Dr. Lynda Ransdell, Kinesiology
Committee Members: Dr. Shelley Lucas, Kinesiology and Dr. Nicole LaVoi, Kinesiology
Abstract
Introduction: Despite Title IX’s implementation in 1972, women remain significantly underrepresented in sports coaching. Research highlights ongoing barriers within the sports industry’s patriarchal structure, and although strategies have been proposed to improve female representation, the lack of progress over the past two decades indicates their limited effectiveness. A more comprehensive, multidimensional approach is essential to address this issue across the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal levels. Purpose: This study aims to propose a model to increase female coaches within U.S. elite alpine skiing by learning from the experiences of the successful Trail to Gold program of U.S. cross-country skiing. Participants: Twelve voluntary participants were recruited through purposeful sampling and eight completed the interviews. Participants must have engaged in the T2G program as either coaches or administrators. Methods: Part one involved a qualitative analysis of T2G through semi-structured interviews. Part two used data from these interviews and the investigator’s experience to create a model aimed at advancing women coaches in alpine skiing. Data Analysis: Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reviewed by participants for accuracy. Data analysis was informed by phenomenological theories and the ecological model as presented by LaVoi and Dutove (2012). Key themes were identified using both inductive and deductive methods, with final themes confirmed by triangulation. Insights from part one, combined with the investigator’s experience, guided the model development for part two. Results: Participants in U.S. cross-country skiing highlighted the importance of a supportive environment, robust networking, and effective sponsorship to advance women in coaching roles. Despite progress in female representation within their environment, barriers remain that hinder women’s advancement in coaching. Multi-faceted strategies are needed to target female underrepresentation. Significant progress requires that the NGB implement strategies that address gender imbalance at the individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels. The information gathered in part one, together with empirical evidence, was crucial in the development of a model to increase female coaches within U.S. elite alpine skiing. Conclusion: This study expands the notion around strategies to increase female representation in sports coaching by learning from women coaches who work in environments that value and actively pursue gender parity. Continued support for female coaches is essential for gender equality, enhanced team performance, and a more inclusive sporting environment.
