Tucker Center Newsletter - 2010 Fall
Director | Feature | Research | Know | Film | Touch | Staff | Kudos | Guest | Lecture
Staff Updates: Maya Hamilton
Maya Hamilton, a St. Paul native, joined the Tucker Center in the fall of 2009 as a Research Assistant under the guidance of her academic adviser and
Tucker Center Associate Director, Nicole LaVoi. Hamilton earned a B.A. in history from Yale University in 2001 where she wrote her thesis on the
Scottish Enlightenment and the 18th-century debate on the compatibility of commerce and virtue. Following graduation, she worked as a copy and
freelance editor for such prestigious entities as the New York University Press, University of St. Thomas School of Law, and the University of
Minnesota Press. In addition to these work experiences, Hamilton is an ASCA Level III certified swim coach who has taught and coached swimming at the
high school and intercollegiate levels. Currently, she is an Assistant Swim Coach at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.
For her Master's thesis, Hamilton will examine critical issues related to moral and ethical decision-making among intercollegiate coaches. Not surprisingly, coaches are often faced with moral dilemmas around a "win at all costs" mentality. How they navigate a desire to be ethical and fair in their judgments and practices toward their players often conflicts with the pressures they face in balancing winning versus player development. Hamilton's research on these important issues will fill a much needed gap in the sport psychology literature.
During her tenure in the Tucker Center, Hamilton has provided key leadership by helping get the WeCoach™ initiative—an educational and networking resource for women who coach or want to coach—off the ground. She is also conducting an extensive review of gender differences in the coaching science literature.
Hamilton is also a 2nd-degree black belt who has practiced numerous forms of martial arts. She trains in Brazilian jiu jitsu, competes for Revolution Defense Fitness, and enjoys nearly all outdoor activities: "Being a part of the Tucker Center has given me an opportunity to meet and work with wonderful people who share my passion for supporting and empowering girls and women as athletes and coaches." Clearly, Hamilton's diverse talents make her a great asset to the Tucker Center team!