Black women coaches in college sports have long faced a troubling reality - they are vastly underrepresented, often overlooked, and routinely forced to confront the dual challenges of racism and sexism. But now, a growing number are finding the courage to speak up about an issue that has for too long been swept under the rug: the state of their mental health.
Uneven Playing Field
According to NCAA data, Black women make up just 11% of all head coaches in Division I women's basketball, despite Black women comprising over 50% of student-athletes in the sport. The disparity is even more stark when you consider that 26% of all Division I women's basketball coaches are Black - the majority of whom are men.
What this really means is that Black women coaches are not only scarce, but also face an uneven playing field riddled with systemic barriers and biases. As research has shown, they are often pigeonholed into roles focused on recruiting or working with players, rather than being given the same opportunities for advancement as their white counterparts.
Breaking the Silence
Tired of the status quo, a growing number of Black women coaches are now speaking out about the immense toll this takes on their mental health. As GiShawn Mance, a psychologist at Howard University, explains, Black women in these roles are "uniquely affected by conditions like depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress" - yet are far less likely to seek treatment.
The reasons are complex, rooted in cultural stigmas surrounding mental health as well as the "strong Black woman" trope that expects them to shoulder incredible burdens without complaint. But as more coaches find the courage to share their stories, the hope is that this conversation will lead to meaningful change.
A Path Forward
The NCAA has taken some steps to address the mental health crisis in college sports, including requiring schools to have dedicated sports psychologists on staff. But experts say much more needs to be done - from dismantling the structural barriers that keep Black women coaches on the sidelines, to providing them with the resources and support they need to prioritize their own well-being.
As one recent study on Black male college athletes concluded, mental health must be treated "as just another injury" - not something to be ashamed of or ignored. The same holds true for the Black women who pour their hearts into coaching, and the time has come to ensure their voices are heard.