Perceptions of the Intercollegiate Athletic Experience: Perspectives from NCAA Division I and Division III

Abstract

Although the structure of intercollegiate athletic has been critiqued virtually since its inception, little is known about how that structure influences student-athletes' experiences. Differences between a business model (producing mass- scale, revenue-generating programs) and an educational model (operating athletics as a student service) were assessed by interviewing 14 graduating senior male basketball and football players from a NCAA Division I University and a NCAA Division III College. Results indicated difference including (a) time commitment, (b) motivation to participate, (c) role conflict/complementarity, (d) perceived attitudes of coaches, and (e) the role of athletics in the college experience. Findings were discussed with respect to recent rule changes and current advocacy in intercollegiate athletic programs. Implications for athletic academic counselors were addressed. This study can be seen as having both phenomenological and hermeneutic intentions.