What Is This "White" in the White Male Student-Athlete?: White Students' Perceptions of Academic and Athletic Success on Campus

In recent years, sport sociologists have increased their examination of the prevalence of whiteness dynamics in sport (Lawrence, 2013; McDonald & Toglia, 2010; Travers, 2011). The purpose of this study was to examine White college students' perceptions (N = 190) regarding the academic and athletic success of a White male college football player. The photo-elicitation methodological technique was used, and whiteness theories (Dyer, 1997) were applied to the participants' perceptions. The following four major themes emerged from the results: a) Privileged College Athlete; b) Proud; c) Worked Extremely Hard; and d) Very Intelligent & Successful. Practical implications of this study are highlighted, and future directions for researchers and practitioners are suggested.