Date of Award
May 2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Educational Leadership - Higher Education
Committee Member
William L. Havice
Committee Member
Michelle L. Boettcher
Committee Member
Michael G. Godfrey
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand what leadership skills are gained through participation in National Collegiate Athletic Associate (NCAA) Division I women’s soccer. The population for this study was eight women on the roster of the NCAA Division I women’s soccer team at the research site, a top tier southeastern research institution in the United States during the 2018 soccer season (August- November).
This qualitative research study utilized case study methodology. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. The interview transcripts were coded for themes, which were analyzed to further discover what leadership skills were developed through participation in NCAA Division I women’s soccer.
This study revealed leadership skills were developed as a result of participation in NCAA Division I women’s soccer. The analysis yielded six themes:
• Transferable Skills
• Team Roles
• Acknowledging the Complexity of Leadership and Leadership Development
• Difference in Coaching Strategy
• Self-Awareness
• Acknowledging Family Role.
Implications of findings of this study show that leadership development needs to be a focus of the coaching staff, as leadership skills are developed through participation in NCAA Division I women’s soccer. Additionally, ideas for future research studies are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Solomon, Beth Diane, "Leadership Development Within NCAA Division I Women's Soccer" (2019). All Dissertations. 2372.
https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/2372