Title IX changed the game—but it also came with a cost.
In this episode of Legwork, we sit down with Vanessa Fuchs, CEO of WeCOACH, to unpack why the number of women in coaching roles plummeted after the passage of Title IX, particularly in running sports like cross country and track—and how WeCOACH is working to reverse that trend. From the impact of mentorship and representation to the systemic challenges of burnout, pay inequity, and gender bias, Vanessa brings both candor and clarity to one of the most important topics in sport today.
Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or simply someone who cares about the future of women's sports, this conversation is a call to action. Learn what’s working, where we’re falling short, and why supporting women in coaching isn’t just good policy—it’s essential for the health and future of the game.
Episode Description
What does it really mean to be a coach today—especially as a woman?
For many athletes, coaches are more than technical instructors. They are the emotional anchor, trusted adult, and all-hours problem-solver who helps athletes navigate academics, life transitions, and personal struggles. In this conversation, Vanessa Fuchs, CEO of WeCOACH, joins Matt and Molly to talk candidly about the immense load women coaches often carry—especially in year-round sports like track and cross country—and the lack of structural support that leads far too many to burnout or exit the profession altogether.
This episode also unpacks the ripple effects of Title IX—from declining numbers of women coaches to deeply ingrained hiring patterns and gender-based leadership expectations. Vanessa shares how WeCOACH is building a sustainable pipeline through programs like WeMENTOR, WeELEVATE, and WeASPIRE, all backed by research on where and why women are most likely to drop out of coaching careers.
We also discuss how women’s sports are covered in the media, the subtle (and not-so-subtle) gender biases that shape how leadership styles are perceived, and how recent changes in NCAA policy could impact the future of Olympic and non-revenue sports. Through it all, Vanessa offers both data and personal insight—showing what it will take to not just recruit more women into coaching, but actually keep them there.
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to WeCOACH and Vanessa’s Journey
Vanessa introduces herself and outlines her path from Florida State basketball player to NCAA executive and, eventually, CEO of WeCOACH. She reflects on her passion for mentorship and the deep sense of purpose she’s found in the mission to reshape coaching leadership.
05:34 – Title IX’s Unintended Consequences
We examine how Title IX, while expanding access to sports for women, indirectly contributed to a drop in the percentage of women coaching women’s teams—falling from 90% to around 41%. Vanessa explains how men increasingly moved into newly funded positions while women faced stagnant pay, lack of support, and work-life challenges.
08:29 – Why Female Role Models Matter
The conversation shifts to the youth and high school level, where representation is especially critical. Girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14. Vanessa argues that visible female coaches help retain girls in sport and develop healthier relationships with competition and body image.
10:56 – Vanessa’s Personal Mentorship Experience
Vanessa reflects on the women who shaped her—especially her college coach Sue Semrau—and how one pivotal conversation changed the trajectory of her life. Her story highlights the long-lasting power of mentorship and leadership.
13:08 – Systemic Barriers to Representation
From structural hiring patterns to the merging of men’s and women’s athletics departments post-Title IX, Vanessa lays out the systemic causes of gender imbalance in coaching. She also addresses the tendency for leaders to “hire people who look like them”—and what WeCOACH is doing to challenge that.
15:28 – The WeCOACH Mission and the Triad Mentorship Model
Vanessa introduces the WeMENTOR program, which pairs coaches in three career phases to support retention and growth. She also outlines the WeASPIRE pipeline program targeting high schoolers and the WeELEVATE program for assistants.
22:00 – Gender Bias and Coaching Style
The group discusses how perceptions of “appropriate” behavior for coaches can differ by gender. Vanessa explains that strong female leaders often face scrutiny or are penalized for behaviors accepted in male coaches—creating a bias that must be actively countered.
24:01 – Representation in Media and Language
From team naming conventions (like “baby blues”) to how the media discusses female athletes’ behavior, the conversation explores the subtle but powerful ways language reinforces gender stereotypes. Vanessa advocates for more equitable media framing.
27:16 – Why Running Struggles to Retain Female Coaches
Matt raises a running-specific issue: burnout in year-round programs like cross-country, indoor, and outdoor track. Vanessa links this to the especially poor grades those sports received in the latest Tucker Center Report and explains how the year-round nature—and coed coaching model—may be contributing factors.
35:57 – Addressing Burnout and Mental Health
Vanessa shares candidly about working two years straight with one day off—and what it taught her about burnout. WeCOACH has responded with programming specifically for coach mental health and work-life “flow,” particularly for moms.
41:23 – NCAA Divisions and Finding the Right Fit
There’s no one “right” level of coaching. Vanessa encourages coaches to consider Division II and III roles, which can be less intense while still deeply rewarding—and may offer better work-life balance.
42:20 – How Anyone Can Help Advance the Mission
WeCOACH is a nonprofit, but engagement doesn’t have to mean just writing checks. Vanessa talks about gifting memberships to women coaches, following on social media, and encouraging aspiring coaches to start young.
47:21 – Proud Moments and the Power of Community
Vanessa shares a moving story about a coach on the verge of quitting who left a WeCOACH academy re-energized and committed. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the right support network is the difference between staying and leaving.
53:03 – Hope, Progress, and the Report Card
The Tucker Center report is showing positive movement for the first time in years. Vanessa explains how data visibility is driving change—and where it still needs to grow, particularly at the high school level.
55:48 – NCAA Policy Shifts and Potential Threats
New revenue models are creating ripple effects. Vanessa warns that without equity built into funding decisions, we risk cuts to women’s and Olympic sports—and that professional development is often one of the first things on the chopping block.
59:40 – The Spotlight Is Growing for Women’s Sports
The episode ends on a hopeful note. With more pro opportunities and better media attention, there’s momentum. Vanessa stresses that this visibility matters—not just for athletes, but for building a sustainable coaching pipeline for women.
