Examining Latinx College Athletes' Experiences at Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Predominantly White Institutions

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 15
  In Roundtable Session: Diverse College Athletes (Table 4)

Abstract

With the ongoing growth in enrollment of Latinx students and athletes in higher education, and particularly at Hispanic-Serving Institutions, it is important to explore the role of institutional setting on their transition experiences. Thus, this study compared the experiences of Latinx college athletes attending a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and Predominantly White Institution (PWI). Under the guise of Latinx critical race theory, the study challenges the narrative of dominant groups concerning meritocracy and colorblindness, positing that not all students experience and navigate higher education the same way. The findings included (1) Feeling at Home at HSIs, (2) Finding their Latinx Niche at PWIs, and (3) Sports as a Central Part of Identity.

Authors

• Nikola Grafnetterova, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Guillermo Ortega, Idaho State University