IN THEIR WORDS: A HERMENEUTIC PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF FORMER STUDENT-ATHLETES’ EXPERIENCES IN LIFE SKILLS PROGRAMS IN RELATION TO CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSITION OUT OF COLLEGE
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2020
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Abstract
This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding student-athlete experiences and perceptions of Life Skills or student-athlete development programming (formerly known as the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Challenging Athletes’ Minds for Personal Success/Life Skills Program). There is a growing need to understand how best to assist student-athletes as they prepare for their post-collegiate athletic careers. Using hermeneutic phenomenology, the study explored how former student-athletes experienced such programming, and if at all, how it prepared them for their transition out of college and into a career. From my collaborator’s experiences, an athletic hurdle or conclusion of the athletic career ultimately led to the discovery of student-athlete programming and the pursuit to nurture other personal interests and goals. While on this journey, they discovered the temporary state of their collegiate careers and the need to prepare for life after college. The findings have practical implications for improving programming in support of student-athletes gaining applicable skills to navigate their transition out of college and prepare for a career of their choosing; additionally, it will guide conversations to reshape the policies on institutional participation, resources, and how best to integrate such programming into daily operations of intercollegiate athletics.