"I Didn't Know How All This Works": A Case Study Examining The Transition Experiences of Student-Athletes from High School to a Mid-Major DI Program

Authors

Mitchell T. Woltring, University of South AlabamaFollow
Caitlyn Hauff, University of South AlabamaFollow
Brooke Forester, University of South AlabamaFollow
Shelley L. Holden, University of South AlabamaFollow

Abstract

The transition period from high school to college includes a myriad of issues specific to student-athletes (Bernhard & Bell, 2015; Bjornsen & Dinkel, 2017; Comeaux, 2015). The present study sought to illuminate the specific transition issues faced by mid-major, DI student-athletes by providing them the platform to describe them in their own words, and provide their own recommendations for improvement. Utilizing a semi-structured interview guide which addressed transition issues, the qualitative study included 23 student-athletes in focus group settings. Analysis of interview data led to the emergence of two themes, with accompanying subthemes: 1) Encounters with academic support, with subthemes of transitioning to campus and perceived responsibilities of athletic academic advisors; and 2) Skewed perceptions and expectations of student-athlete life, with subthemes of expectations regarding the coach-athlete relationship, lifestyle modifications, and high stress practice environments. The findings suggest a notable trend – student-athletes lack the support they need to successfully deal with the transition. The transition process itself also appears to involve three specific periods: 1) Prior to arrival on campus; 2) Initial arrival on campus; and 3) Following the initial transition to campus. The findings will help to better design standards for helping student-athletes navigate the transition process.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/jade.03.02.04

Recommended Citation

Woltring, Mitchell T.; Hauff, Caitlyn; Forester, Brooke; and Holden, Shelley L. (2021) ""I Didn't Know How All This Works": A Case Study Examining The Transition Experiences of Student-Athletes from High School to a Mid-Major DI Program," Journal of Athlete Development and Experience: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/jade.03.02.04
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/jade/vol3/iss2/4

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License