LaVoi interviewed by ASU’s Global Sport Institute about the disparities in women coaching

Nicole M LaVoi, PhD

Nicole M. LaVoi Ph.D., Tucker Center director and senior lecturer in the School of Kinesiology, was interviewed for a Global Sport Institute article, “More Athletes, Fewer Leaders: The ‘Paradox’ Facing Women in College Sports.”

In this Q&A, LaVoi speaks to the barriers that have hindered women from becoming coaches in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Some barriers include public misconceptions, gender biases, double standards, and a lack of women athletic directors to make the hiring decisions. Although women college sports have seen an increase in viewership and player participation, in recent years there has been a decrease in women coaches. LaVoi notes that in 1972, 90% of women college sports had women head coaches, but now that number has decreased to 42%. Despite the troubling statistics and numerous barriers, LaVoi sees an optimistic future.