The other program, known as ACE-Achieving Coaching Equity, is geared towards minority assistant coaches. The three-year-old program takes a mentoring and networking approach. “Each year, we bring seven to 10 assistant coaches together and plug them into a system that so far has shown promising results in that at least two coaches a year have obtained head coaching positions” says Westerhaus. To be eligible for the ACE program, a coach must have at least five years of coaching experience.
Next year, the Black Coaches Association plans to expand its annual Report Card to include women’s basketball. The survey, which chronicles the hiring decisions at the college and professional levels, is regarded by many as the best barometer of diversity in sports. As women’s basketball continues to grow in popularity, many say they will have to face the same diversity questions that have dogged their male counterparts.
“Like a lot of things in this society, this an evolving process, and right now Black women are at the back of the line,” says Parson. “Someone or something has to intervene to change that.”
--Diverse staff
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
