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.