Changes in academic motivation for high school student-athletes from low ses backgrounds : a phenomenological study

Abstract

In this phenomenological study, high school graduates who were identified as low SES and demonstrated a fluctuation of academic success relating to their participation in high school athletics were interviewed to understand their experience of attaining academic achievement while they were playing sports and decline when not playing sports. Participants were six high school graduates from two Eastern Indiana high schools. Interview data were analyzed and three themes were developed relating to the students’ academic motivation. The three themes focused on the participants’ identities, expectations placed upon them, and the support received during their academic and athletic experiences. Findings from this study may be helpful for those who create programs aimed at motivating students to perform better academically throughout their educational career.