This narrative analysis/life story study was designed to understand the factors influencing the career trajectory of female athletic directors in National Collegiate Athletic Association affiliated institutions and to discover how those factors functioned as a road map for future female administrators. Both social role and role congruity theories served as a guiding framework to explain how and why female intercollegiate athletic directors advance professionally. This qualitative research study was conducted by collecting responses to the interview questions developed based upon social role and role congruity theories, as well as research on women in athletics. The study found that the career trajectory of female athletic directors was affected by Title IX; that female athletic directors conform to some agentic norms but maintain an androgynous and transformational style; that for female athletic directors men often function as mentors, advocates, and adversaries; that perceptions of the effects of burnout and family commitments contribute to the attrition of female athletic directors; and that institutions should formalize a means of succession planning in an effort to address the issue of attrition of female athletic directors. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]