The concept of athletic identity has been defined as the degree to which an individual identifies with their own athlete role (Brewer et al., 1993). Based on this research, positive and negative connotations of athletes persisted throughout time. Studies portray the varying correlations between athletic identity, academia success and motivation in the identity of the athlete. With this, the goal of this study is to determine if the transcendence of academia and athletics in lives of former athletes continue beyond college into their current professional lives. This pilot case study examined 3 prior student-athletes that are currently in different professions and determinants of their adult life. Through my qualitative approach of interviews, self-reflecting journals, and questioning former male elite athletes, the question that arises is: How has former athletes' athletic identity and academic journey contributed, if at all, to their lives after college? Through coding and analysis, the correlation between one's athletic identity and academic journey transcend to their current lives in many ways despite the participants previous sport, current workplace, or location of education. The goal of this research is for the development of a framework in academia to internationally integrate athletics within educational policy and curriculums in order to create more successful and motivated generations.

Authors:
Maria Savva, St. John's University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Maria Savva is a current PHD candidate in St. John's University's program of Curriculum and Instruction. Some general interests include the lives of athletes. My current research interests involves student athletes and their perceptions.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-savva-126607164/

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