Understanding Latinx College Athletes' Pathway to the NCAA

• In Event: Equitable, Indifferent, or Unjust? College Access and Ascendance via Sport

Abstract

The United States is experiencing a shift in its demographics where Latinx account for the second largest population behind Whites (Pew Research Center, 2017). In 2020, approximately 18% of the United States identified as Latinx compared with 76% as White and 13% as Black (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019). Additionally, there is a projection that Latinx will make up 30% of the US population by 2050 (Nuñez, 2009; Pew Research Center, 2017). Yet, Latinx students maintain the lowest graduation rates in comparison to all other racial groups (Pèrez Huber et al., 2015). Researchers have argued that Latinx students have minimal college preparation in high school and speak a language other than English at home (Latino et al., 2020; Bridges et al., 2008). While there is a growing body of scholarship forming around barriers on Latinx student’s college access, an often-overlooked population are Latinx college athletes.

Despite the growing number of Latinx in the U.S. and higher education, there is little known research on Latinx college athletes. Approximately 30,000 college athletes identify as Latinx, making them the third-largest population in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA, [NCAA, 2020]). The Latinx demographic has seen a 29% increase over the last five years (NCAA, 2018). It is important to address these issues because approximately Latinx have limited access to college or athletic information (Acevedo-Gil, 2018). Jamieson (2005) found that Latina college athletes’ parents were unable to offer any specific guidance on the academic and athletic college recruitment process and had to navigate everything on their own. Additionally, Latinx college athletes must deal with racial inequities throughout their academic and athletic journey, which creates barriers to pathways to degree attainment to the NCAA (Ortega, 2021; Grafnetterova & Banda, 2021). For example, Martinez (2018) explained how due to the lack of resources, the NCAA is less likely to enroll Latinx college athletes. Therefore, this session aims to inform how institutions and the NCAA must lead efforts to address inequities in the college choice process for Latinx college athletes.

The presenter will provide context on Latinx college athletes and address how to improve college preparation in schools and colleges. The presentation will begin by providing an overview on existing literature on Latinx students' experience and the challenges they encounter. Additionally, discuss how in the context of sports, race-related issues matter and affect Latinx students. Lastly, the presenter will review existing literature on Latinx college athletes and offer a critical perspective on the college access process for Latinx college athletes.

Author

• Guillermo Ortega, Idaho State University