Women of color collegiate head coaches experiences of mistreatment and its effects: a qualitative analysis

Across workplace settings, women of color (WOC) experience mistreatment in the form of gendered racism or gendered racial microaggressions. Collegiate athletic departments are another setting in which the historical whiteness of sports results in WOC experiencing discrimination. Such mistreatment and discrimination have been found to negatively affect WOC’s psychological well-being and physical health. However, research on the experiences of WOC head coaches (HCs) and the effects of their experiences on their well-being has been overlooked; previous studies have been limited by sampling and method of data collection (i.e., retrospective). Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of mistreatment of 14 WOC Division I HCs and how these mistreatments have affected their health and well-being. Through reflexive thematic analysis, and a critical paradigm, we concluded that the WOC HCs (a) were questioned about their competence, (b) were constantly evaluated by their appearance (e.g., hair, attire), (c) were excluded and received fewer resources and lower pay compared to men counterparts, (d) had experienced ongoing slights and lacked support, and (e) had experienced dis-health as a result. The WOC HCs experienced myriad mistreatments that affected their psychological and physical well-being and their ability to consistently show up and perform well as a coach; both effects cheat their players, teams, families, and institution. Although the NCAA is taking strides to improve inclusivity, more is needed (e.g., cultural competence/humility trainings, regular evaluations) to create an environment of equity and inclusion for WOC coaches that promotes thriving as opposed to just surviving.