Female athletics: Exploring the impact of female coaches on perceived levels of athletic self-efficacy among female athletes and their career pursuits in athletics

Since the induction of Title IX, women and girls had made significant advancements in sports participation. However, there has been a sharp decline in female representation in athletic leadership positions. This study examined the relationship between female athletes' perceived levels of self-efficacy and their willingness to explore a career in athletic coaching. The research focused on the impact of relationships between female athletes and their female coaches, utilizing the Leadership Scale for Sport to evaluate attributes such as training and instruction, democratic behavior, autocratic behavior, social support, positive feedback. This study addressed key research questions that investigated the perceived influence of female coaches on athletes' self-efficacy and the predictability of interest in coaching careers. Current female coaches articulated the significance of mentorship and role models in their professional pursuits. Findings shed light on how female athletes’ perceptions of their coaches influenced career aspirations and contributed to addressing the gender gap in coaching roles. The results had implications for hiring practices in collegiate and athletic organizations, emphasizing the importance of inclusive leadership and professional development for coaches. This study fostered a deeper understanding of the dynamics between female athletes and female coaches, ultimately supporting strategies to reverse the decline of women in athletic leadership roles.