Al-Fattal Anas, Walker Ii Eddie G, Gust Anita M
Business Department, University of Minnesota Crookston, Crookston, MN, United States.
Math, Science, and Technology Department, University of Minnesota Crookston, Crookston, MN, United States.
Front Sports Act Living. 2025 Aug 29;7:1652581. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2025.1652581. eCollection 2025.
This study investigates the factors influencing student-athletes' college choice in the context of a shifting intercollegiate athletic landscape. While existing research has focused heavily on NCAA Division I athletes, limited attention has been paid to how student-athletes at Division II institutions navigate their enrollment decisions. Drawing on Means-End Theory and Social Exchange Theory, particularly the framework established by Czekanski and Barnhill (2015), this study explores how institutional attributes, athletic opportunities, financial considerations, and socio-emotional dynamics intersect in shaping college decision-making.
Using a qualitative focus group approach, data were collected from 33 student-athletes at a small Midwestern university. Participants shared their experiences, motivations, and reflections on what mattered most in their college selection process.
Seven key themes emerged: athletic program quality, financial assistance, location and campus, social aspects and support systems, academic and athletic balance, long-term career goals, and diversity and inclusion. Findings reveal that while athletic and financial factors were important, relational and academic dimensions were also central. Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and athletic realignment were acknowledged but not prioritized.
The study contributes to a broader understanding of college choice by highlighting how student athletes interpret value through both traditional and evolving lenses. Implications are discussed for athletic recruiters, university administrators, and policymakers aiming to support student-athlete enrollment in a competitive and dynamic environment.
本研究探讨在大学体育格局不断变化的背景下，影响学生运动员大学选择的因素。虽然现有研究主要聚焦于美国全国大学体育协会（NCAA）第一分区的运动员，但对于第二分区院校的学生运动员如何做出入学决定的关注有限。本研究借鉴手段 - 目的理论和社会交换理论，特别是采泽anski和巴恩希尔（2015年）建立的框架，探讨机构属性、体育机会、财务考量和社会情感动态如何相互作用以塑造大学决策。
采用定性焦点小组方法，从一所中西部小型大学的33名学生运动员中收集数据。参与者分享了他们在大学选择过程中最重要的经历、动机和思考。
出现了七个关键主题：体育项目质量、经济援助、地理位置和校园、社会方面和支持系统、学术与体育平衡、长期职业目标以及多样性和包容性。研究结果表明，虽然体育和财务因素很重要，但人际关系和学术维度也至关重要。姓名、形象和肖像权（NIL）机会以及体育联盟重组得到了认可，但并非优先考虑因素。
该研究通过强调学生运动员如何通过传统和不断演变的视角来解读价值，有助于更广泛地理解大学选择。针对旨在支持学生运动员在竞争激烈且动态变化的环境中入学的体育招生人员、大学管理人员和政策制定者，讨论了相关影响。
