Career Breakthroughs of Women in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration

What is the Role of Mentoring?

Authors

  • Meg G. Hancock University of Louisville
  • Heidi Grappendorf University of Cincinnati
  • Janelle E. Wells University of South Florida
  • Laura J. Burton University of Connecticut

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1123/jis.2017-0012

Keywords:

mentoring, career breakthrough, intercollegiate athletics, women

Abstract

Participation in mentoring is integral for advancement within sport organizations, particularly for women (Bower, 2009; Shaw, 2006). However, it is unclear how mentoring contributes to opportunities for career advancement or breakthroughs (e.g., opportunities for new functional roles, project oversight) (Mainiero, 1994). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand the role of mentoring as it pertains to career breakthroughs for women in intercollegiate athletic administration. This qualitative study included 51 focus group participants in athletic administration at NCAA-member institutions (divisions, I, II, and III). Results suggested mentoring as a critical factor in career advancement. Participants indicated having a mentor was highly desired. Mentoring relationships with someone internal and external to their respective athletic departments was important. However, there was little consensus on the benefits or drawbacks of having a mentor of the same or opposite sex. Implications and strategies for developing mentoring relationships are also discussed.

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Author Biographies

  • Meg G. Hancock, University of Louisville
    Hancock is with the Department of Health and Sport Sciences University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky. Grappendorf is with the School of Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. Wells is with the Department of Sport Management, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. Burton is with the Department of Educational Leadership, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut.
  • Heidi Grappendorf, University of Cincinnati
    Hancock is with the Department of Health and Sport Sciences University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky. Grappendorf is with the School of Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. Wells is with the Department of Sport Management, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. Burton is with the Department of Educational Leadership, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut.
  • Janelle E. Wells, University of South Florida
    Hancock is with the Department of Health and Sport Sciences University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky. Grappendorf is with the School of Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. Wells is with the Department of Sport Management, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. Burton is with the Department of Educational Leadership, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut.
  • Laura J. Burton, University of Connecticut
    Hancock is with the Department of Health and Sport Sciences University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky. Grappendorf is with the School of Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio. Wells is with the Department of Sport Management, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida. Burton is with the Department of Educational Leadership, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut.

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Published

2017-12-01

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2017): Journal of Intercollegiate Sport

Section

Peer-Reviewed Article

License

Copyright is held by the authors. 

How to Cite

Hancock, M. G., Grappendorf, H., Wells, J. E., & Burton, L. J. (2017). Career Breakthroughs of Women in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration: What is the Role of Mentoring?. Journal of Intercollegiate Sport, 10(2), 184-206. https://doi.org/10.1123/jis.2017-0012