Benchmarks and boundaries: A content analysis of student-athlete development programs for women

This study examined disparities in support structures for women’s sport college athletes competing at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Power-4 member institutions. Through qualitative content analysis, findings revealed that only 33% of institutions currently offer dedicated personal and professional development programming for women’s sport athletes. Among the Power-4 conferences, the Big Ten Conference led in total programmatic support, while the Big 12 Conference showed notable gaps compared to their Power-4 conference peers. While available programmatic development programs promoted leadership, cohesion, and career transitions for women’s sport athletes, and career initiatives supported transitions beyond sport, critical areas such as mental health and physical wellbeing remained insufficient in existent women’s sport athlete development programming. The present study underscores the need for expanded inclusive programming, increased resource allocation, and the use of digital platforms to enhance accessibility and visibility for women’s sport athlete development programming. Future research assessing programmatic effectiveness and financial investment would be valuable to inform strategies for advancing support for women’s sport athletes in collegiate athletics.