Balancing act: how family identity orientation impacts careers of NCAA women coaches

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the career experiences of the NCAA women coaches integrating the Kaleidoscope careers model with Family Identity theory. Design/methodology/approach We employ qualitative methodology with the use of semi-structured interviews with 18 NCAA women coaches. Using interpretive lens, we offer nuanced descriptions of women career experiences from care and career orientation perspectives. Findings Our findings shed light on experience, perceptions and strategies employed by female NCAA coaches while trying to fulfill work and life responsibilities. Care- or Career- orientation impacts the way women coaches deal with different aspects of maintaining careers in sports coaching. Originality/value We refine the KCM framework by showing that authenticity, balance and challenge can manifest in different ways, which is particularly important as organizations often struggle with retention of women coaches.