The Relationship between Personality Traits and Coachability in Female College Softball Athletes

Abstract

Athletic coaches understand the impact of athletes' personalities on team dynamics and success. As a result, coaches try to select athletes who possess and display specific attributes. One attribute coaches at all levels desire is coachability. The coachability construct is not well understood in the sport psychology or coaching education literature, nor have relationships between personality traits and coachability been examined. This study used survey methodology to investigate the relationships between personality traits from the Agreeableness and Emotional Stability domains and coachability in 190 NCAA Division I and II female softball athletes. Results indicated that Anger and Immoderation were negatively related to coachability and Cooperation was positively related to coachability. Results also suggested that the linear combination of Anger and Immoderation might best predict whether an athlete will be more or less coachable. A better understanding of behaviors that comprise the coachability construct was also gained. Potential methods of using this knowledge to recruit more coachable athletes and enhance team dynamics are discussed.