Academic Clustering and Division II Athletics: An Exploratory Study

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Division II, Transitions, and Support Systems Within Athletics

Abstract

Over the past three decades, studies have shown that academic clustering is a widespread phenomenon at the Division I level. However, there continues to be a dearth of attention on clustering at the lower levels of collegiate athletics. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine if clustering existed at a single Division II public state university located in the southwest region of the United States. The results revealed that ten of the twelve teams were clustered; furthermore, 128 of the 300 participants (42.70%) shared the same academic major - Kinesiology. Overall, this study advances the understanding of the scope of clustering within NCAA athletics.

Authors

• Jesse Brock, The Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County

• Kelsey McEntyre, Tarleton State University

• Colin Pennington, Cornell College

• Phillis Bunch, Tarleton State University