Graduation Semester and Year

2015

Language

English

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Department

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

First Advisor

Ifeoma Amah

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the experiences of high-achieving Black male football players at predominantly White Division I institutions in the South. A qualitative research design was utilized. Participants were five Black male football players who were starters or important reserve players, had a 3.0 or higher GPA, and were at their respective institutions for at least a year prior to interviewing. Data were obtained through five individual, semi-structured, and face-to-face interviews at two sites-Eastern Valley State University (EVSU) and Coastal Plains University (CPU). Transcripts were then professionally transcribed, read through (line by line) for a sense of the whole, and analyzed for themes. Themes were then presented the themes, along with verbatim quotes from interview transcripts, to a phenomenological research group. The themes that emerged were:* "That's What Keeps Me Going": Motivation to succeed and be a high-achiever* "It's Harder Than It Looks": Stresses of being a student-athlete* "We're Not Stereotypical Dummies": Racial differences and stereotypesThe findings from this study could be used to inform parents, student-athletes, higher education administrators and others who regularly work with student-athletes.

Disciplines

Education | Educational Leadership

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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