Creating cultures of belonging on collegiate athletics teams

Abstract

A sense of belonging is a fundamental human need. The culture created by collegiate head coaches can impact a student-athlete's sense of belonging. The purpose of this Action Research study was to investigate and improve how collegiate head coaches develop the agency to foster a culture of belonging on their teams. Participants and data collected in Cycle 1 consisted of semi-structured interviews with ten collegiate head coaches. Action Steps were designed, implemented, and evaluated in Cycle 2 to enhance coaches' agency in fostering a culture of belonging on their teams. Two workshops were developed and co-facilitated by the lead researcher and a senior athletics administrator at the research site and delivered to collegiate coaches. Workshops focused on assisting coaches in developing a coaching framework to help them to reflect on their leadership style, definition of success, and team culture. Following each workshop, coaches connected with a trusted peer to further process their coaching framework. Evaluation of these Action Steps was done using surveys and semi-structured interviews with participants. The study concluded the collegiate head coaches develop the agency to foster a culture of belonging by aligning core values with their measure of success for their team and is strengthened through building relationships with members of their team, assistant coaches, and coaching colleagues. Implications for the organization included coaches with an enhanced knowledge for the importance of belonging and a framework for continued learning.