Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE)

Gender Equity in Leadership in Sports

In the past there were a lot of women in the exercise and sports psychology field that were being overlooked. Examples included Joan Duda, Deborah Feltz, Diane Gill, Penny McCullagh, Carole Oglesby, Tara Scanlan, Maureen Weiss, and Jean Williams, who are eight trailblazing women who contributed substantially to the field of exercise and sports psychology. Even though these women achieved many accomplishments they may have received less acknowledgment compared to men. Women would typically only be recognized if their work was felt to have a significant impact. Even though progress has been made, the field is still male dominant such as what is seen in sports psychology and strength and conditioning. This presentation will discuss gender gaps in coaching and leadership positions in sport, and recommended strategies to increase gender equity in these positions.