While significant strides have been made, the journey toward gender equality in coaching is far from complete.
At the high school, women hold several leadership positions within the athletics department, setting an example for female representation in sports.
Before becoming Assistant Athletic Director, Amanda Mortelette played college basketball and then coached the game for 10 years. According to Mortelette, she has experienced discrimination both in coaching and in her role today.
“With officials especially, being a younger female, I felt discriminated against,” Morelette said. “I think there have been instances in this position where people might have, whether it be officials or somebody else, just not perceived me as an administrator.”
Despite the challenges that coincide with coaching as a woman, cheerleading head coach Neva Taylor said female representation is crucial.
“I see a lot of women coaches, which I think is really important,” Taylor said. “It’s important to have examples of strength and fitness, and adults that have done the same sport that you’re doing and been successful in it.”
According to girls varsity lacrosse head coach Julianna Molloy, the most rewarding part of the job is fostering relationships with her female athletes.
“I love building relationships with the girls and seeing them come back year after year,” Molloy said. “I try to go to their field hockey games or other sports outside of just lacrosse to help build that relationship.”
Molloy said that the great coaches she had during high school have played a big part in shaping her coaching style and philosophy.
“There’s so many difficult things about being a high schooler, so just having somebody that I knew was in my corner was such a blessing for me at that time,” Molloy said. “I obviously want them to be successful athletes, but that’s only a piece of who they are, and I want them to feel successful overall.”
According to Mortelettle, the benefits of women’s representation in coaching are clear.
“It’s important for both female and male athletes to see females in those positions,” Morlettle said. “I think it’s just good to have that representation, and I think it’s good for kids to see that they can aspire to do that as well.”
As a woman in coaching, Molloy said she preaches a growth mindset as the key to accomplishment.
“Be confident in yourself and don’t second-guess yourself,” Molloy said. “You’re suddenly the one in charge, and you have to make a lot of decisions, be confident in what you’re doing and be willing to grow and learn along the way.”
Taylor said she gives similar advice, as she often engages in conversations with both her female students and athletes about achieving goals and expanding into male-dominated fields.
“You can set your mind to anything you want,” Taylor said. “If you want to be in a space, you just have to demand it. No one deserves a spot more than you do, so it’s just about taking up that space and demanding a seat at that table.”
