Black Female Students on Predominantly White Campuses: Highly Visible on Basketball Courts but Underrepresented Elsewhere

• In Event: 54.071 - Diversifying the Discussion: Experiences of Underrepresented Student-Athletes

Abstract

Recent studies have revealed a marked tendency for student-athletes to be overrepresented among Black male undergraduates at predominantly White institutions (PWIs). This exploratory study extends that growing body of research to determine if similar circumstances exist among Black female attending PWIs. Our descriptive analysis uses official data from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The analyses examine black female enrollment at PWI's – as athletes and non-athletes – finds that compared to their White female counterparts, Black female undergraduates – like their male counterparts – are significantly overrepresented as student-athletes. Additionally, we find that Black female student athletes are overrepresented in basketball, but underrepresented in all other intercollegiate sports. The findings are interpreted within Critical Race and Intersectional frameworks.

Authors

• Felecia Theune, University of Miami

• Jomills H. Braddock, University of Miami