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By: Amanda Snider, CMAA - Deputy Athletic Director, Broken Arrow High School (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma) At the 2025 NIAAA National Athletic Directors Conference, I had the incredible opportunity to co-present with Michelle York, CMAA, from St. George's Independent School, in a session titled "Encouraging Female Involvement in Athletics." As deputy athletic director at Broken Arrow High School, where we support over 1,300 student-athletes (grades 8-12), this conversation felt deeply personal. I approach this work not just as an administrator, but as a former coach, a Native American woman, a wife, and a mother to two young children. I feel incredibly fortunate to serve in a district that empowers women in leadership and supports me in both motherhood and the demands of athletic administration. But I know not every woman in this profession has that experience. That's why we must continue having these conversations, so we can keep pushing progress forward, together. During our presentation, Michelle and I explored the evolving landscape of gender equity in sports and how, despite increased access for girls and women, real progress has stalled in many areas since Title IX's peak in the mid-1990s. What stood out in our discussion, and what I see reflected in our own programs, is how closely the challenges faced by female athletes resemble those experienced by women in athletic leadership. From lack of visibility and support to ongoing institutional barriers, these aren't isolated issues. They are systemic. Addressing them requires more than awareness. It takes intentional advocacy and collective action. Still, I believe that every conversation or article, like this one, brings us one step closer to meaningful change. I'm encouraged by the growing number of leaders who are committed to building a more inclusive and unbiassed future in athletics. Shared struggles, shared stories The following key points were drawn directly from our presentation:
These issues are deeply rooted in the system. Tackling them requires us to stay aware, speak up, and take meaningful action, because progress depends on our determination. Role of male allies and the power of awareness One of our key messages was that awareness leads to understanding and understanding leads to change. When male leaders (i.e. coaches, athletic directors, media professionals) intentionally support gender equity, they help reshape the culture. They model advocacy for other men and normalize inclusive, equitable practices and policies in athletics. Case Studies Shared During Our Presentation
Practical steps toward change We shared several strategies for athletic leaders looking to advance gender equity:
We also emphasized how institutional policies must evolve to support work-life balance, especially for women with caregiving responsibilities. Inflexible contracts, limited family access, and a lack of maternity-friendly policies continue to push women out of leadership roles. Parting thoughts Gender equity in athletics isn't just about making space, it's about making sure people feel like they truly belong. It's about representation, opportunity, and lifting each other up. We can't settle for surface-level support or performative gestures that check a box but change nothing. Real progress takes real work, through advocacy, allyship, and a willingness to stay aware and engaged. We need more women at every level of athletics! Whether it's coaching, leading, mentoring, or making decisions that shape the future. My hope is that by continuing these conversations, leading with purpose, and taking small, consistent steps forward, we'll create a future where every athlete and administrator, especially women, will know they have a voice, and a place, at the table. References Camenker, J. (2023, August 30). Nebraska volleyball shatters NCAA attendance record with historic crowd. USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/2023/08/30/nebraska-volleyball-sets-ncaa-attendance-record/70709886007/ Kaplan, E. (2021, August 3). NCAA gender equity review finds systemic disparities between men's and women's sports. ESPN. https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/31942371/ncaa-gender-equity-review-finds-systemic-disparities Longman, J. (2021, April 3). At Women's Final Four, Oregon's Sedona Prince showed what a gender equity problem looks like. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/03/sports/ncaawomen-sedona-prince-oregon.html Walker, L. (2023, September 1). Why Nebraska volleyball's record night matters for the future of women's sports. Sports Illustrated. https://www.si.com/college/2023/09/01/nebraska-volleyball-attendance-record-analysis |
Closing the Gap: Advancing Gender Equity in Athletics Through Advocacy, Awareness, and Allyship [NIAAA]
