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ERIC Number: ED581086
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 192
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-0-3554-8997-2
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
A Case Study of the Perceptions of teamUSA Athletes Enrolled in an Education Provider University
Nugen, Robert, Sr.
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Northcentral University
The problem addressed in this study is the uniquely demanding experience of contemporaneously being a successful Olympic level athlete and a successful university level student. Due to the time and energy required for successful Olympic competition, a dual-career student-athlete may complete his/her sports career without completing her/his tertiary education or preparing for post-sports life. Career Assistance Programs have been created by various sports governing bodies to support the dual-career student-athlete in living a healthy and balanced life before, during and after his/her sports career, which includes completing their education while competing. However, little research is available as to how these programs are perceived by dual-career student-athletes. The purpose of this qualitative, multiple-case study was to explore the experiences of dual-career student-athletes participating in the USOC Official Education Provider Program at a for-profit university providing an online and on-ground blended educational environment. Utilizing the Holistic Lifespan Transitions Model to inform, the perceptions of the student-athletes participating in the program were explored, based upon data gathered during semi-structured interviews. Results from this study indicated many advantages of the program as implemented at the Official Education Provider University and few disadvantages. Findings indicated that the program, as implemented at the Official Education Provider University, did not hinder sports performance, rather, in most cases, the program supplemented sports. Program participants expressed a deep gratitude for the program and requested its continuation. Recommendations included increasing internal marketing and restructuring programs to ensure all Olympic athletes achieve a tertiary education. Further research is recommended to study correlations among educational programs, sports performance and how to restructure sports and education programs to ensure all elite athletes receive the full benefit of an undergraduate education while maintaining sport eligibility. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A