Untold journeys : a narrative inquiry into Division I non-scholarship student-athletes' stories
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While there is an abundant body of research on the experiences of collegiate student-athletes, one group that has been overlooked in the college athletics literature is non-scholarship, or walk-on, student-athletes (Amorose & Horn, 2000; Berestetska, 2019; Rubin & Rosser, 2014). This narrative inquiry explored the stories of Division I female student-athletes who do not receive athletics-based financial aid, specifically those competing on head-count sports teams. Additionally, the study explored the factors that contribute to non-scholarship student-athletes' well-being, their journey to collegiate athletics, current experiences as a collegiate student-athlete, and future aspirations. By examining the narratives of Division I female non-scholarship student-athletes competing on head-count sports teams, scholars and practitioners can better understand the unique demands this population faces to improve the retention and development through effective policies and practices. Data for this study included three individual, in-depth semi structured interviews with each participant. Guided by Seligman's (2012) PERMA model, the research further adds to the literature on student-athlete well-being and fills a gap related to understanding the specific experiences of non-scholarship student-athletes. The findings revealed the following three themes: (a) importance of supportive relationships, (b) diverse pathways to collegiate pursuits and future aspirations, and (c) personal growth and positive reframing. This study concludes by discussing the findings and provides implications for future practice, policy, theory, and research.
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Ph. D.