Interest in Educational Careers: A Survey of University Student-Athletes

• In Event: 72.048 - Roundtable Session 33
  In Roundtable Session: 72.048-15 - Life After Sport: What Happens When It's Over?

Abstract

One career pathway that stands out as an intriguing option for student-athletes interested in connecting their academic and athletic social identities is the dual position of teaching and coaching in K-12 schools. The purpose of this study is to gauge the interest of university student-athletes in careers in academic teaching, athletic coaching, and related fields that involve working with children, adolescents, or young adults. Using statistical analyses, the researchers found significance in two areas. First, correlational tests showed a significant, positive correlation between student-athletes’ interest in coaching and their interest in careers in education more broadly. Second, an ANOVA test revealed a significant difference between races on interest in coaching with Black/African American student-athletes having the highest interest in coaching.

Authors

• Alan Brown, Wake Forest University

• Nicole Sieben, SUNY College at Old Westbury

• Zach Gordon, The University of Alabama