The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the Sport Education Model (SEM) on students' self-determined motivation and underlying psychological need(s) in physical education. A total of 182 Year-9 students were engaged in 20 lesson units of volleyball, using either the SEM or a traditional approach. Data was collected using a pretest/posttest design measuring self-determined motivation and perceptions of the psycho-social climate. Analysis of data utilized four separate repeated measures ANOVAs for self-determination and basic psychological needs. Results indicated significant change in self-determination and relatedness for students engaged in the SEM. As such, implementation of the SEM may be utilized as a means for supporting students' social connectedness and motivation to engage in sport-based activities. (Contains 4 tables.)