“We Need Support”: NCAA Female College Athletes’ Perceptions of Faculty and Students (Poster 50)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 9:50 a.m.
  In Poster Session: “We Need Support”: NCAA Female College Athletes’ Perceptions of Faculty and Students

Abstract

Female college athletes are viewed as invaders in sport, pressured to preform academically and academically. Informed by Person-Environment Fit Theory, this study explored female college athletes' perceptions of faculty and non-athlete students. Female college athletes (N=15) participated in semi-structured interviews. The data revealed two major themes: support and interaction. The participants described feeling supported academically by faculty members and their peers; however, described a lack of athletic support from their peers. Positive interactions were reported with major professors, but the participants felt misunderstood by general education faculty. Although the participants desired interaction with their non-athlete peers, athletic demands prevented female athletes from building relationships. The voices of the participants can help colleges and universities enhance the experiences of female athletes.

Authors

• Taylor C. Sawyer, Colorado State University

• Sarah E. Stokowski, Clemson University

• Andrew Goldsmith, Colorado State University

• Chris Corr, Clemson University

• Janna Magette Butler, Clemson University