Toward an understanding of elite female athletes' career choices postcompetition

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of elite female athletes regarding their options and decisions to continue a sports career after their competition (playing) days have expired. A sport career may be defined as professional, full-time employment in sport management or administration ("off the playing field"). This research will focus on elite female athletes from team sport competition, such as basketball, soccer, or volleyball. The results of the study will be presented in a Three Article Dissertation (TAD) format; this research supports three independent articles: a historical or conceptual piece, a research case study, and applications and findings with implications to improve future practice in sport management and administration.;The case study method was utilized to explore perceptions, beliefs, and other cognitive factors that influence elite female athletes' career choices postcompetition. The main query is why, after a "career term" of competitive sports, are female athletes not choosing sport administration or management as a career? A speculation of many professionals in the sport industry assumes a seamless transition for competitive athletes from the playing field to the business offices. This study will disclose actual conversations with athletes describing their perceived career options and why they chose their respective careers after a life as an elite athlete.;The three articles highlight the lack of women in the business side of sports. The case study culminates the qualitative research reporting findings, which is examined through a feminist lens offering unique gender equity inquiry and perspective. Subjects or "Actors" participated in retrospective and in-depth semistructured interviews. Sixteen former elite athletes disclose their perceptions and cognitive factors of influences on career choices and decisions. This research shares stories and information to help explain the influences affecting elite female athletes' career decisions postcompetition. The findings reveal a lack of leadership and mentorship from women in sport careers. Information from this research will help current sport administrators and sport managers understand the thoughts and perceptions of female athletes and what may need to change in the sport culture to embrace female athletes and mentor them to the business side of sport after their playing days are over.