"If I hadn’t played sports”: Critical Narratives from Former Compton Students on School-based Team Sports

• In Event: Race, Equity, and Inclusion in K-12 and College Athletic Spaces

Abstract

Informed by Ginwright’s (2010) CARMA model centering a radical healing approach to structurally-induced trauma in urban youth, this narrative inquiry explored the lived experiences of former students in Compton, CA who participated in elementary and middle school-based team sports. Rather than detract from learning, participation in school-based team sports played a critical role in contributing to students’ academic improvement, agency, and importantly, a sense of belonging through community and mentorship. Recommendations underscore the importance of ensuring access to team sports in the early/middle grades for povertized and minoritized youth as well as the need for greater district-municipal partnerships.

Authors

• Nansi Reyes, California State University - Long Beach

• Maiyoua Vang, California State University - Long Beach