¡Presente! A Systematic Review of Latina/o/x Identity in College Athletics

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

Abstract

Latina/o/x athletes comprise a growing segment of NCAA participants but remain severely underrepresented in college athletics research and leadership. Guided by Latina/o/x Critical Theory (LatCrit), this systematic review analyzes studies published from 1990 to 2025 to examine how Latina/o/x identity has been addressed in college athletics scholarship. Four key themes emerged: athlete experiences, pathways to participation, athletic administration, and preservation of cultural artifacts. Findings reveal persistent structural barriers and a lack of intersectional analysis in existing research. This review highlights the need for scholarship that centers Latina/o/x perspectives to challenge racialized exclusions and advance representation in collegiate athletics.

Authors

• Guillermo Ortega, Texas Tech University

• Nikola Grafnetterova, University of Colorado - Boulder