What was your role during the internship?
During my eight-week PESS internship, I conducted a qualitative study exploring the lived experiences of female athletes in high-performance environments. My role involved designing and implementing a narrative-based research project that examined how coaching relationships, communication, and gendered expectations influence athlete development and wellbeing. Working under the supervision of Dr. Ian Sherwin and Dr. Jean McArdle, I was responsible for conducting literature reviews, preparing ethics documentation, designing semi-structured interviews, and analysing athlete narratives.
How did the internship help you grow professionally and personally?
This internship gave me the opportunity to combine my dual identity as both a sports science student and an elite athlete. Professionally, I developed strong research skills—particularly in qualitative interviewing and thematic analysis—and gained deeper insight into sport pedagogy and gender dynamics in coaching. Personally, listening to the stories of other female athletes was incredibly powerful; it helped me reflect on my own sporting journey and recognise how trust, communication, and care underpin effective coaching relationships. It also highlighted the importance of inclusive, athlete-centred environments that prioritise holistic development, not just performance outcomes.
Did you face any challenges during your internship?
The main challenge was managing the ethical and logistical aspects of interviewing high-performance athletes while maintaining confidentiality and sensitivity. Learning to ask open but respectful questions, while also interpreting complex emotional narratives, required careful preparation and reflexivity. I also had to balance my own training schedule alongside data collection and analysis—an exercise in time management that mirrored the demands faced by many student-athletes.
How did your supervisors and work environment contribute to your experience?
Both supervisors provided invaluable mentorship throughout the process. Dr. Sherwin offered practical guidance on sport pedagogy and qualitative design, while Dr. McArdle shared expertise in narrative research and women’s sport. The supportive and research-driven environment at PESS encouraged curiosity, independence, and critical thinking. Regular feedback sessions helped me strengthen my methodological approach and communicate findings effectively.
Did you have opportunities to network with other professionals in the industry?
Yes. Through the internship, I connected with coaches, athletes, and academics who are passionate about developing gender-inclusive coaching practices. These conversations opened my eyes to the broader implications of research—how evidence can inform coach education, policy, and everyday practice.
How has this internship influenced your career goals or future plans?
This experience reaffirmed my desire to pursue postgraduate research in sport pedagogy, with a focus on the athlete–coach relationship and gender in high-performance sport. I hope to contribute to developing educational frameworks that support more caring, inclusive, and reflective coaching cultures.
What advice would you give to future interns?
Be open-minded and curious—your project will evolve as you listen and learn. Use the internship to explore areas that genuinely interest you, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. The more you reflect on your own experiences, the more meaningful your research becomes.
Ellie McCartney is a Sports and Exercise Sciences student and high-performance athlete at the University of Limerick,
Contact: Email: 23382716@studentmail.ul.ie
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