Graduate Program

Sports Administration

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

Spring 2026

Thesis Director

Andrew J. Kerins

Thesis Committee Member

Kristin E. Brown

Thesis Committee Member

Ashley N. Gard

Abstract

This study explored the adolescent sport experiences of Division I student-athletes, focusing on early sport specialization versus sampling. Past research was seeking the influences that drive athlete and stakeholder decision making through adolescents up until college. Through in-depth interviews and thematic analysis, important themes emerged in these athletes’ stories, including family involvement, financial support, birth order, transitions within athletics and the athletes’ internal goals and motivations. The core finding of this research was the role family played in these athletes’ lives, both positively and negatively, that shaped their athletic and mental development. Athletes expressed how important it is to have autonomy and a sense of personal identity outside of athletics. Athletes discussed the transition between high school and college athletics and how the challenges within that transitions are underdiscussed. They urged stakeholders to better support and prepare athletes for those times in their careers. This research fills a gap in the literature by platforming the student-athlete voices and perspectives that are often overshadowed by other stakeholders when it comes to sport specialization. The participants called for more athletes to lead guidance in youth sport participation and encourage stakeholders to focus on the wellbeing of their athletes and advise young athletes to remain intrinsically motivated for the love of the sport.

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