COMMUNICATIVE ACTS IN COACH-ATHLETE RELATIONSHIPS IN DIVISION II COLLEGIATE WOMEN'S GOLF

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the perceptions female Division II golf players have of their coaches’ reactions to their bad golf shots during practice and tournament rounds. Data gathering for this qualitative study included observations and in-depth interviews with players from two different schools within the NCAA West Region. In regard to perceptions that were formed during tournament rounds, nine categories were established (e.g. calm, optimistic, encouraging, emotional masking, evasive, tense, shocked, frustrated, and direct). Four categories were established in regards to perceptions formed during practice (e.g. calm and motivational, irritated and frustrated, technical, and disappointed). This thesis highlights the importance of coaching behaviors on athletes’ emotional state and performance.