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 Fuchs

05:34 The Impact of Title IX on Women in Coaching

08:29 The Importance of Female Role Models in Sports

10:56 Vanessa's Personal Experience With Mentorship

13:08 Barriers to Representation in Coaching

15:28 WeCoach's Mission, Growth, and the Triad Mentorship Model

22:00 Gender Bias in Coaching Styles

24:01 Media Representation of Women in Sports

27:16 Recruiting and Retaining Female Coaches Particularly In Running

35:57 Managing Burnout and Mental Health Against Persistent Barriers

41:23 Exploring NCAA Divisions and Coaching Opportunities

42:20 Engaging the Community in Advancing the WeCOACH Mission

47:21 Proud Accomplishments at WeCOACH

53:03 Hope and Progress in Women's Coaching and Impact of the Tucker Center Report Card

55:48 Impact of NCAA Changes on Women's Sports

59:40 The Growing Spotlight on Women's Sports

Top 5 Takeaways

1. Title IX’s unintended consequence: While it opened doors for female athletes, it also led to a sharp decline in women coaching women's teams—dropping from 90% to around 41%.

2. Representation matters early: Girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys by age 14. Having female coaches helps girls stay engaged, confident, and supported.

3. Coaching is full-spectrum labor: Coaches are often the only consistent adult in a student-athlete’s life—managing not just performance, but emotional, academic, and life challenges.

4. Bias still shapes perception: Assertive leadership by women is often mischaracterized or penalized in ways that men aren’t.

5. Change is happening—but needs help: Programs like WeMENTOR and WeASPIRE are helping reverse trends, but support from fans, schools, and peers is critical to sustain momentum.