The Academic Versus Athletic Experience for Intercollegiate Football Athletes
The continued focus on the collegiate careers of student athletes continues its presence within the community of higher education. As this focus has been historically centered on academic performance, we are beginning to see a growing concern for the overall experience obtained in a higher education setting, especially concerning athletes participating in the sport of football. Research in student athlete experiences has demonstrated that participation in athletics enhances learning, character development, leadership skills, social self-esteem and motivation (Astin, 1993; Childs, 1987; Hirko, 2009; Miracle & Rees, 1994; Pascarella & Smart, 1991; Shulman and Bowen, 2002). While this experience has traditionally been examined through a comparative lens between traditional non-athlete students and the student athlete population, the athlete experience needs to be further investigated through a qualitative lens to assess the true phenomenological environment.
