Management in sport is largely a male-dominated field. However, a few women have broken the glass ceiling to coach male athletes. Here are the top from five from a very short list.
#5 Nancy Lieberman
Regarded as one of the greatest figures in womens basketball, Nancy Lieberman was hired as the coach ofthe Texas Legends in the NBA Development League, an affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks, in 2009. This made her the first woman to coach a professional men's basketball team. Currently she works as theassistant general managerfor the Texas Legends and runs a summer basketball camp for boys and girls.
#4 Corinne Diacre
French Ligue 2 football clubClermont made the news after signing Helena Costa as the first female manager in French football history. However, Costa quit before managing a single game and was replaced by Corinne Diacre.
Diacre is the third most capped French footballer and also served as the assistant manager to the national team. On 4thAugust she became thefirst woman to coach a men's professional football teamin a competitive match.
#3 Becky Hammon
Becky Hammon currently plies her trade with the San Antonio Stars, the team in the womensNBA. She ventured into coaching and made history on 5thAugust 2014. Hammon was hired by the San Antonio Spurs as a full-time assistant coach. She became the first coach in not only NBA history but also in the history of any of the four major professionals sports in North America (NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL).
#2 Shelley Kerr
Former Scottish captain Shelley Kerr has enjoyed frequent success as a coach. She won the womensFA Cup with Arsenal Ladies in May. On 19thAugust, Kerr was apointed as the coach ofLowland Football League side Stirling University F.C. in Scotland.Kerr's appointment is the first time at this level in the United Kingdoma woman has been named as manager of a men's side.
#1 Amelie Mauresmo
Amelie Mauresmo is reknowned for her hard-hitting shots. After retiring in 2009, Mauresmo began her stint as a coach. She first coached French player Michael Llaudra to prepare for Wimbledon. After coaching Victoria Azarenka and Marion Bartoli, Mauresmo signed on to coach British number oneAndy Murray. Mauresmo fills the shoes of Ivan Lendll who helped Murray win two Grand Slams and an Olympic gold medal.