Date

4-8-2026

ESRP 9000 Professor

Lucas DeWitt, Ed.D.

ESRP 9001 Professor

Lucas DeWitt, Ed.D.

Executive Summary

Executive Summary

Leadership in Secondary Athletics: A Strategic Research Project on the Impact of District-Supported Mentorship for Sustainable Equity. LaTonya M. Wingard, 2026: Strategic Research Project, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. Keywords: Gender Equity, Athletic Administration, Mentorship, Leadership Development, Educational Leadership, Sports Management

The strategic research project was designed to analyze the persistent underrepresentation of women in athletic administration within a South Carolina school district. Although there has been a notable increase in female athletes' participation rates, this has not been reflected in sport leadership positions, which remain dominated by men. This study analyzed organizational systems, access to mentorship, recruiting practices, and leadership opportunities to identify barriers hindering women's advancement in sports management.

The results of this research identified systemic barriers; to include minimal mentorship opportunities, gender discrimination in the hiring process, and a lack of pipeline leadership intentionality, which continuously suppress female representation in sport leadership. Research indicates that women often face challenges when seeking access to professional communities and gaining leadership experience crucial to career advancement. Furthermore, inconsistent organizational support for gender inclusive leadership was evident within the district.

Based on strategic research, several recommendations were made to promote equity and increase women's representation in athletic administration: a structured mentorship program, goal-specific leadership development initiatives, and equitable hiring practices. Along with this, districts are persuaded to embrace policies that focus on diversity and inclusion for leadership positions and to establish accountability procedures for progress.

This project contributes to the overarching discourse concerning gender equity in sport leadership and facilitates actionable strategies for districts exploring opportunities for cultivating inclusive and equitable representative athletic leadership structures.

Document Type

Strategic Research Project-NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

College

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Concentration

Sports Leadership

Language

English

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