More than the X’s and O’s: Understanding the Coach-Athlete Relationship Through Evaluations of Interdependence and Satisfaction at Princeton University

Abstract

The relationship developed between athletes and their coaches is both complex and unique in nature. Those who are involved in the relationship are the best sources to provide an understanding of the underpinnings and moderating factors that lead to successful seasons, teams and programs. While there are many variables to consider in evaluating the coach-athlete relationship, this study focuses primarily on levels of interdependence and satisfaction, while investigating the potential for gender preference, gender composition, graduation year and relationship strength to serve as moderating factors. This study investigates the interpersonal relationship between 89 varsity athletes and their corresponding coaches at Princeton University. Participants completed a brief online survey reflecting upon their current/most recent season at Princeton and their relationship with their coach or athletes. Multilevel modelling analysis found that athlete ratings of independence and satisfaction were positively predicted by their coach’s ratings, however only interdependence ratings reached significance. We found no significant effect in coach ratings predicting athlete ratings for interdependence or satisfaction by graduation year. Having the strongest bond with their head coach, however, was positively and significantly predictive of athlete ratings for both interdependence and satisfaction. We found having the coach of their preferred gender had no significant effect on athlete ratings of satisfaction nor interdependence. Athlete ratings of interdependence were significantly higher with a coach of the same gender, but interdependence did not reach significance, while coaches showed no significant effect in working with athletes of their same or opposite gender. The findings and their implications are beneficial in contributing to the literature on the coach-athlete relationship, but also for those individuals who engage with this relationship firsthand, such as University coaches, current and prospective varsity athletes and University athletic directors.