They Deserve a Chance: The Underrepresentation and Experiences of Black Women in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership

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Abstract

Higher education leadership demographics contrasts sharply with narratives of college campuses filled with gender and racial diversity, especially in intercollegiate athletics. Black women occupy only 2% of athletic director positions at predominantly White institutions and are vastly underrepresented in other leadership roles (National Collegiate Athletic Association, 2022b). This narrative inquiry examined the experiences of ten Black women in administrative leadership within Division I, II, and III athletics. Findings revealed the importance of maintaining their uniqueness/individuality as Black women, the devaluing of Black womanhood in college athletic workplaces, and their motivation for persistence/survival in the industry. Understanding the experiences of Black women leaders is necessary to critically examine how systemic issues persist in devaluing Black women and limits leadership opportunities.

Author

• Cynthia Stone, University of North Carolina - Charlotte