Entry into Elite Sport: A Preliminary Investigation into the Transition Experiences of Rookie Athletes

Abstract

Athletes experience a number of transitions throughout their athletic career (Wylleman, Alfermann, & Lavallee, 2004). One pivotal transition that has received less attention in the literature is the transition into elite sport. The purpose of the present study was to examine the transitioning experience of young athletes entering elite sport. Using a phenomenological approach, rookie ice hockey players (N = 8, representing two different Major Junior ‘A’ teams) were asked about their experiences of entering into elite sport. Two primary themes emerged from the young athletes’ responses: on-ice issues associated with performance and off-ice issues relating to relationships and personal development. These findings offer preliminary evidence that young athletes encounter transitional challenges during the entry into elite sport. Further research is necessary to explore how the entry experience impacts young athletes’ athletic and psychosocial development and well-being.

Notes

To protect the identity of the rookie athletes, the names of the participants in the manuscript have been changed.