Gender Games

Theres never been a better time to be a female athlete in college, but not so for female coaches. In 1972 when Title IX was enacted, over 90% of womens athletics at the college level were coached by women. By 2008, that had dropped by over half. Why do women leave coaching even though they love being out on the field with their athletes? Why do they give up jobs they are passionate about? Christina Cruz, former collegiate coach and member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Rowing Team, provides answers in Gender Games. She summarizes research on the many reasons spurring women to leave coaching, from inequities in resources to discrimination and lack of communication. However, Cruzs research goes one step further to reveal how the inequities affect the way women think and feel about themselves. Through the compelling stories of five coaches, Cruz sheds light on the micro-competitions in day-to-day relationships that undermine coaches effectiveness in their jobs. A must-read for coaches, administrators, and educators at all levels who touch the field of athletics.