| College athletics are an important part of any college campus, and even more so at
smaller institutions where student-athletes make up a significant portion of the student
population. In the current state of higher education and with many smaller institutions
experiencing enrollment declines, understanding factors that influence student-athlete college
choice is vital for recruitment of an important student population.
This single-site qualitative study was guided by Perna’s (2006) model of college
choice and explored student-athlete college choice at a private, faith-based NCAA Division II
institution in California. The study also utilized a modified version of Goss et al.’s (2006)
adaptation of Gabert et al.’s (1999) Student-Athlete College Choice Profile Survey
(SACCPS). The SACCPS was administered to all student-athletes at the end of a spring
semester and was followed by interviews of 13 student-athletes within their first month of
attendance in the subsequent fall semester. The study revealed that athletic identity
(opportunity to continue their sport), coaches’ recruitment, academic programming, and
institutional characteristics were most influential for the student-athlete, while faith was a
conditional factor in college selection.
The findings highlight the importance of coach recruitment, academic programming,
and the campus environment. Implications are presented for institutional leadership in
athletics, enrollment, and administration, with recommendations for increased partnerships
with athletics and enrollment offices, the value of the campus environment, and ensuring
student-athletes and their parents receive an authentic experience during the recruitment
process. |