Latina High School Wrestlers: Confidence in a Male-Dominated Sport

• In Event: Gender in the Lives of Teachers, Pupils, and Youth

Abstract

This study explores thirty-three Latina wrestlers (mean age 15.9) in high school and their experiences their experiences in the sport over forty years after the passage of Title IX, which mandated equal rights for women in sports. The purpose of this article is to bring attention to the perceptions of body image and self through the lens of Latina high school wrestlers, given their unique positionality and cultural values. Findings indicate how girls develop a sense of confidence through sports participation with a particular focus on positive body image and confidence. Implications from this study can provide coaches with a better understanding of how to approach the increasing number of girls participating in male-dominated sports.

Authors

• Marilyn Castro, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Jackie Valenzuela

• Terri Cecchine, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Rebeca Mireles-Rios, University of California - Santa Barbara