Breaking Barriers: The Scarcity of Female Coaches
When we think of sports, we often picture fierce competition, dedication, and teamwork. But behind every successful athlete is a coach guiding and inspiring them to be their best. Unfortunately, when it comes to female coaches, the numbers are far from equal, especially in high school, college, and professional sports. It’s no secret that female athletes are making huge strides, but the lack of female coaches in these spaces remains a glaring issue.
So, where are all the female coaches? And more importantly, what can we do about it?
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
According to recent statistics, less than 40% of women’s sports teams at the collegiate level are coached by women. When you look at professional sports, that percentage plummets even further. In high school, the situation isn’t much better. Despite the growth of girls’ sports programs, the majority of coaching positions are still held by men. The shortage of female role models in coaching is not just a numbers game—it’s about missed opportunities to shape and inspire the next generation of female athletes.
Why Is There a Shortage of Female Coaches?
There are several reasons for the scarcity of female coaches:
Lack of Representation: When young female athletes don’t see women in coaching roles, they may not envision that as a viable career path for themselves.
Work-Life Balance: Coaching, particularly at the high school and collegiate levels, demands long hours, travel, and sacrifice, which can be challenging to balance with family responsibilities.
Bias and Stereotypes: Gender biases and traditional stereotypes about leadership and authority often work against women, particularly in male-dominated sports.
The shortage of female coaches not only affects the representation of women in leadership but also limits the mentorship opportunities for female athletes who are striving for success.
Highlighting Female Coaches Making an Impact
Despite the challenges, there are women breaking through these barriers and proving that women can and should lead in sports.
Club Level
Amanda Mesi is the dedicated head coach of the West Seneca Magic 16u travel softball team and a true role model for her athletes. With a background in softball that spans high school and college, Amanda brings a wealth of experience to her coaching. She served as an assistant coach at Medaille College and currently specializes as a pitching coach, showcasing her expertise in the game. Her genuine love for softball is evident, often bordering on obsessive, as she pours her heart and soul into the sport. As a volunteer coach, she goes above and beyond to ensure that her players have opportunities to develop their skills and compete at high levels, while also helping families manage the costs of travel through fundraising efforts. Amanda is committed to helping her players navigate the college recruiting process, ensuring they have the support and guidance needed to pursue their dreams in athletics. Amanda’s leadership has made a lasting impact on her team, fostering a supportive environment where her athletes can thrive on and off the field.
High School
Rachel Funk is a dynamic high school coach with a remarkable playing career, currently a teacher and coaching softball at her alma mater, West Seneca East High School. A three-year team captain during her time as a player, she was named the 2015 MVP at the Section VI Underclassman Softball Showcase Tournament and earned ECIC First Team All-Star honors in both 2014 and 2015. Rachel also received ECIC Second Team All-Star recognition as a freshman in 2013 and was the team MVP in 2012. After high school, she continued her softball journey at Niagara University, playing as a catcher and third base while majoring in Sports Management. Throughout her collegiate career, she achieved significant milestones, including starting 36 games as a freshman and earning MAAC All-Academic honors. Last year, Rachel coached the JV team and is now stepping up to lead the varsity squad. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the game make her an inspiring role model for young athletes, as she dedicates herself to coaching and mentoring the next generation of female players.
College
Becky Burke, head coach of the University at Buffalo women’s basketball team, has quickly made a name for herself in college sports. Known for her energetic coaching style and commitment to developing her players both on and off the court, Burke has transformed the Buffalo program into a competitive force. With her emphasis on teamwork, discipline, and leadership, she’s been instrumental in inspiring the next generation of female athletes. Burke’s coaching career is a testament to her passion for the game and her dedication to pushing women’s sports forward.
Professional Sports
On the professional stage, Becky Hammon is a name that stands out. Hammon broke barriers by becoming the first full-time female assistant coach in NBA history with the San Antonio Spurs and is now head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. Her extensive basketball knowledge and proven ability to lead have solidified her place as one of the top coaches in professional sports—male or female. Hammon’s career is a shining example of what’s possible when women are given the chance to lead at the highest levels.
What Can We Do to Combat This?
If we want to see more women in coaching, we need to actively work toward creating opportunities and breaking down the barriers that prevent women from entering and staying in the profession.
Mentorship Programs: Establishing mentorship programs that pair aspiring female coaches with experienced professionals is key. Mentorship provides guidance, builds confidence, and helps navigate the unique challenges women face in sports leadership.
Encouraging Female Athletes to Pursue Coaching: We need to start planting the seed early. Encourage female athletes to consider coaching as a potential career path. When young women see their coaches as role models, they are more likely to follow in their footsteps.
Advocating for Equity in Hiring: Athletic departments at all levels must prioritize hiring more women and making leadership positions accessible to them. This includes addressing any bias in hiring processes and offering flexible work environments that support work-life balance.
Challenging Stereotypes: We need to actively combat the outdated stereotypes that say women aren’t suited for leadership in sports. Female coaches bring a unique and valuable perspective to their teams, and it’s time we start recognizing that.
Join the Movement
Female coaches play a crucial role in shaping the future of sports and empowering the next generation of athletes. It’s time to close the gap and bring more women into coaching roles. Join us in this mission—subscribe to our newsletter for updates, follow us on social media, and become part of the AuraAthletic Fit community, where we’re committed to advocating for equality in sports.
