Student-Athlete Wellbeing and Persistence: An In-depth Look at Student-Athlete Perceptions

This study investigated student-athlete perceptions of wellbeing and intent to academically persist. The study employed quantitative and qualitative data queries. This paper reports findings from the qualitative data, revealing that the student-athletes: (a) recognized, albeit at times somewhat reluctantly, their role, responsibilities and agency regarding their academic progress, and instructional communications and relationships; (b) acknowledged reliance, appropriately so, on the Athletic Department in terms of assistance in understanding and compliance with NCAA rules, (c) were aware of and made at least limited use of institution-based academic content support services; and (d) saw and valued themselves as students and student-athletes.