Student-Athlete Wellbeing and Persistence: An In-depth Look at Student-Athlete Perceptions

Abstract

This study investigated student-athlete perceptions of wellbeing and intent to academically persist. The study employed quantitative and qualitative data queries. This paper reports findings from the qualitative data, revealing that the student-athletes: (a) recognized, albeit at times somewhat reluctantly, their role, responsibilities and agency regarding their academic progress, and instructional communications and relationships; (b) acknowledged reliance, appropriately so, on the Athletic Department in terms of assistance in understanding and compliance with NCAA rules, (c) were aware of and made at least limited use of institution-based academic content support services; and (d) saw and valued themselves as students and student-athletes.

Keywords:

• student-athlete
• persistence
• higher education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sibongile D Kamusoko

Cynthia Lee A. Pemberton, Ed.D. serves as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Dickinson State University. Dr. Pemberton has published and presented locally, regionally, nationally and internationally on Title IX and gender equity in school sport. Her book, More Than a Game: One Woman's Fight for Gender Equity in Sport, addresses Title IX from both personal and professional perspectives, through a lived experience pursuing gender equity in sport at a small liberal arts college in Oregon.

Cynthia Lee A Pemberton

Sibongile D Kamukoso, Ed.D. serves as an associate lecturer at Idaho State University (ISU). She completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership in Higher Education and her Master's degree in Physical Education – Athletic Administration (MPE-AA) at ISU. Prior obtaining her graduate degrees she served as a Principal lecturer at Hillside Teachers' College and was department head at Townsend High School, both in Zimbabwe. Dr. Kamusoko has worked as a student advisor and external assessor for the physical education examination for the University of Zimbabwe.