Combating Sexism Through Mentorship in High School Sports

Vaggalis, K., & Kelley, M. (2018). Strong mentors can help female athletes combat sexism, a new study shows. Futurity. https://www.futurity.org/mentors-self-esteem-female-athletes-1842792/

Introduction

Female athletes often face discrimination, bullying, and cultural barriers that can undermine participation and performance. Vaggalis and Kelley explored how natural mentorship—supportive adult relationships that athletes identify themselves, such as with coaches or teachers—affects female athletes’ sense of worth and athletic engagement. The study suggests that feeling valued by a mentor may counteract gendered obstacles in sport.

Methods

The researchers conducted 42 retrospective qualitative interviews with college undergraduates who had previously participated in high school sports and identified a natural mentor in their school setting. These mentors were adults (e.g., coaches, teachers) whom students trusted for advice and guidance rather than those formally assigned. Interviews focused on how these mentoring relationships helped athletes navigate challenges like sexism, bullying, or leadership opportunities, and how mentorship influenced emotional support, work ethic, and self-esteem.

Results

Participants reported that strong mentorship made them feel valued and supported, reducing delinquency and instilling a positive work ethic. Mentors provided safe spaces for guidance and encouragement. However, the data also revealed that not all mentoring was uniformly positive; for some male mentees, mentors reinforced traditional masculine norms, and male–male mentoring was less emotionally supportive. These nuances highlight how gender dynamics can shape mentoring quality and impact.

Discussion

The study underscores the dual potential of natural mentors to empower female athletes mentally and athletically while cautioning that mentorship can also reproduce gender norms if not critically reflective. Researchers argue for creating contexts where mentorship promotes inclusivity and challenges inequalities rather than reinforcing them, noting that barriers such as formal rules may limit access to beneficial mentoring relationships.

Implications for mentoring programs

Programs should intentionally cultivate mentoring that validates athletes’ identities and combats discriminatory norms. Training mentors to recognize and counteract gender bias, foster open emotional support, and encourage leadership can strengthen female athletes’ self-esteem and retention in sport. Creating structured opportunities for mentees to connect naturally with positive role models may also broaden the reach and impact of mentoring.

Read the full paper here.