Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies for Increasing Women Coaches in Elite Sport: The Trail to Gold (T2G) Initiative in U.S. Cross-Country Skiing

Authors

Anika Anna Angriman, Boise State University
Lynda B. Ransdell, Boise State UniversityFollow
Shelley Lucas, Boise State UniversityFollow
Nicole LaVoi, University of Minnesota

Document Type

Article

Keywords

gender equity, representation, sport coaching, women, ecological model

Publication Date

1-24-2025

Abstract

Despite tremendous growth in sport participation of girls and women following Title IX in 1972, women’s participation as sport coaches did not follow the same trajectory. In fact, women remain significantly underrepresented in sport coaching. Research highlights ongoing barriers within the sport industry's patriarchal structure, and although strategies have been proposed to improve women’s representation, the lack of progress over the past two decades indicates limited effectiveness. A better approach is essential to address this issue across individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal levels. The purpose of this study is to interview participants within the U.S. cross-country skiing program, Trail to Gold (T2G), to learn about its programming and implementation, with an eye toward learning from this comprehensive, multidimensional approach to help advance women coaches in all elite sports. Eight coaches and administrators who participated in the T2G program completed semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and reviewed by participants for accuracy. Key themes were identified using both inductive and deductive qualitative analysis methods, with final themes confirmed by triangulation. T2G participants highlighted the importance of a supportive environment, robust networking, and effective sponsorship to advance women in coaching roles. This study expands the recommended strategies to increase women’s representation in sports coaching by learning from women coaches and administrators who work in environments that value and actively pursue gender parity. Continued support for women coaches is essential for gender equality, enhanced team performance, and a more inclusive sporting environment.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.18122/ijpah.4.2.4.boisestate

Recommended Citation

Angriman, Anika Anna; Ransdell, Lynda B.; Lucas, Shelley; and LaVoi, Nicole (2025) "Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies for Increasing Women Coaches in Elite Sport: The Trail to Gold (T2G) Initiative in U.S. Cross-Country Skiing," International Journal of Physical Activity and Health: Vol. 4: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18122/ijpah.4.2.4.boisestate
Available at: https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/ijpah/vol4/iss2/4