The Influence of Youth Sports Participation and Parental Expectations on Career Aspirations in Professional Sports

• In Event: Roundtable Session 35
  In Roundtable Session: From Start to Finish: Student-Athlete Career Development

Abstract

Across division, NCAA student-athletes have unrealistic expectations of competing professionally in their sport. Career intentions focused solely on pro-sport participation can limit the exploration of other career domains during college and divert attention from academics. Using recent data from the NCAA GOALS 2015 survey, this quantitative study identifies pre-college predictors strongly linked to professional athletics career expectations. It also explores the possible mediating impact of a faculty mentor during college on such career aspirations. Findings are intended to assist practitioners in targeting student-athletes at risk of narrow career expectations to allow for intervention ahead of the final semester of competition.

Authors

• Lydia F. Bell, National Collegiate Athletic Association

• Thomas S. Paskus, National Collegiate Athletic Association