Education Through Athletics. The experiences of student-athletes at Princeton University.

Abstract

My study analyzed the experience of student-athletes at Princeton University. I conducted twenty-seven interviews with student-athlete to gain insight on their experiences of being a student-athlete. I found that student-athletes encounter faculty and non-athletes who are not understanding of their athletic commitment. Student-athletes often hid their athlete identity when dealing with faculty and non-athletes. Also, I discovered the unique lifestyle of African American student-athletes. I found that African American student-athletes are seen under a different light. They are seen as athletes whose focus is athletics and navigated their way through the admissions system. I also found that African American studentathletes find their sense of belonging by surrounding themselves with their teammates and finding a sense of empowerment from being an African American student-athlete.