Advancing Leadership Development for Female College Athletes: Disrupting Gendered Inequities in College Sports

• In Event: Separate and Unequal: Studying Title IX in an Era of Extreme Conservative Backlash

Abstract

Leadership development is essential for equipping female college athletes with the skills, confidence, and professional readiness to succeed in roles of influence both within and beyond sports. Through athletics women gain traits foundation to leadership (e.g., discipline, resilience, teamwork), but these strengths often go untapped without intentional opportunities to develop leadership competencies (Gould & Carson, 2008; Navarro et al., 2020). Early exposure to structured leadership training increases self-efficacy, supports career readiness, and prepares female college athletes to navigate systemic barriers that limit their advancement into positions of authority (Ely et al., 2011; Lewis, 2023). Despite these benefits, many female college athletes lack access to tailored leadership programs, perpetuating a gap between participation and leadership outcomes (Davenport et al., 2023).
This presentation will review findings from a gender-specific leadership development program, geared toward supporting female college athletes in building confidence, developing professional skills, and challenging gendered leadership norms reinforced by separate-but-equal frameworks in college sports. Grounded in constructivist curriculum theory, social learning theory, and feminist epistemology, the program created an environment where female college athletes could actively construct their leadership identities through experiential learning, peer support, and exposure to successful women leaders (Bandura, 1977; Eagly & Karau, 2002; Piaget, 1973). Through mentorship, workshops, and interactive exercises, the program’s participants developed communication, decision-making, self-advocacy, and professional presence skills. Such skills are often overlooked in male-centered leadership paradigms.
Key themes from the semi-structured interviews with the program’s participants revealed the transformative power of connection, confidence, and professional development. First, connection: the gender-specific program created a supportive network among female college athletes across teams, fostered a sense of community and belonging that helps them navigate the gendered challenges of college sports. Second, confidence: by engaging in leadership training, observing female role models, and receiving mentorship, the participants learned to challenge internalized biases and see themselves as capable leaders. Third, professional development: the program offered practical skills in networking, personal branding, and career readiness, equipping female college athletes to leverage their athletic experiences into leadership opportunities post-graduation.
The program enabled participants to examine the intersectionality of gender, race, and class, and an understanding of how these factors shape leadership pathways. Leadership initiatives addressing intersectional barriers are more effective in equipping women to navigate and challenge exclusionary leadership structures that persist in college sports (Davenport et al., 2023; Ely et al., 2011). In light of ongoing political threats to Title IX and DEI policies, gender-specific leadership programming represents a vital tool to advance equity by preparing female college athletes to lead and advocate for systemic change.
Ultimately, expanding access to leadership development programs for female college athletes is essential to fulfilling the promise of Title IX beyond participation alone. Athletic departments must institutionalize and invest in initiatives that intentionally center the unique needs and experiences of female athletes. By building leadership capacity among women in sport, these programs disrupt outdated separate-but-equal ideologies, prepare women for meaningful leadership roles, and contribute to a more equitable future in athletics and society.

Author

• Sarah E. Stokowski, Clemson University