"Angry, Sad, and Tired," but Still Fighting: College Athlete Advocacy and Activism

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Student Success Perspectives

Abstract

Research is limited on college athletes’ experience with advocacy/activism. Through Critical Race Theory, this study analyzed a survey completed by 100 Division I athletes to measure perceptions of coach and administrative support received for athletes’ social justice endeavors after George Floyd’s murder. Most athletes felt supported in their advocacy/activism mainly through educational resources, creation of a respectful program or team environment, and offers of verbal encouragement. However, a number of athletes felt their department did not do enough to bolster their advocacy/activism or athletes did not know of any support offered by administrators or coaches. Implications include better understanding athletes’ experiences and gaining insight into the role of administrators and coaches in providing platforms for athletes to engage in advocacy/activism.

Authors

• Molly P Harry, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville

• Brian Pusser, University of Virginia