HBCU Athletes

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HBCU Athletes Perspectives on Success in Sport
David Wiggins, Senior (Physical Education) Dr.
Jamie Robbins, Assistant Professor
Literature Review As a coach it is critical to
understand the internal and external factors
likely to increase success in athletes.
Researchers have identified factors including
stress (Masters, 2002), motivation (Weinberg
Gould, 2007), the use mental imagery (Beilock,
Afremow, Rabe, Carr, 2001), feedback from
others (Ambrose smith, 2003) and coaches
(Weinberg Gould, 2007) as possible determinant
of success. Evidence suggests that psychological
stress increases athletes self-focus, which
impairs performance by directing attention away
from the task at hand (Carver Scheier, 1981).
It also has been found that stress endangers
athletes desire to perform well thus decreasing
their motivation (Baumeister, 1984). Beilock et
al., (2001) found the ability to control positive
and negative images of a performance to be
critical to an athletes success. There also is
evidence from both educational and sport
psychology literature that perceptions of
competence impact success (Harter, 1998 Weiss
Ebbeck, 1996). In other words, if athletes
believes in their capability, they are more
likely to succeed. In addition, Singler (2002)
identified arousal levels as being directly
related to performance. Consequently, the
ability to self-regulate arousal level,
expectations and confidence, and attention
immediately prior to and during performance may
be as critical as becoming skilled in carrying
out the act itself (Singler, 2002, p.359). Other
factors found to impact success come from outside
the athletes. Feedback from parents and coaches
can impact athletes attitudes, arousal, and
motivation, ultimately impacting their success
(Smith, 2003). Research is full of stories about
sport parents providing needed support and
encouragement and others who are demanding and
overbearing (Gould, Lauer, Rolo, Jannes,
Pennisi, 2008). With so many factors identified
as influencing athletes success, it is important
to find out which are deemed most critical
according to the athletes themselves. The purpose
of the current study was to obtain detailed
information about what athletes at an HBCU
believe to be most critical to their ultimate
success.
KEY FINDINGS Results revealed similarities and
differences between and among all participants.
There was only one difference between the males
and female interviewed. The female athlete was
the only one to mention patience and time
management as critical components to success.
There was an identifiable difference between the
scholarship and non-scholarship athletes, as
scholarship athletes focused comments on
hardwork, determination, and motivation, while
non-scholarship athletes mentioned resources and
facilities as influential in their ultimate
success. One athlete claimed that if he had
resources and facilities similar to big Division
I institutions, he would be more motivated to
succeed. Each athlete regardless year in school,
scholarship status, gender, or race showed
individuality in his/her responses. One athlete
mentioned that discipline was essential to
success. Another athlete added that coaching
knowledge and behavior was a big determinant in
his success as an athlete and his motivation to
go above and beyond the call of duty. There were
two obvious similarities among the participants.
Four out of five athletes agreed that
determination and hardwork were the main
components of success. Three out of five athletes
also explained the importance of self-motivation.
METHODS Participants Five 20-23 year old junior
and senior athletes at an HBCU participated in
this study, (two females and three males). Four
of the participants were basketball players and
one was a softball player. Four of the five
participants were African American and one
participant was Caucasian. Two of the athletes
were on scholarships and three were walk-ons or
non- scholarship players. Measures A seven
question interview guide was created by the
primary investigator. Questions included, but
were not limited to (a) what do college students
think it takes to be successful in sports? (b)
do you think you have reached your full potential
in sport? If yes, why? If no, why
not. Procedures The principle investigator
purposely selected 5 athletes to interview. Each
interview was conducted in a classroom and lasted
approximately ten minutes. The interviewer took
thorough notes throughout the interview.
CONCLUSIONS After talking to the five athletes,
it is clear that for as many similarities that
exist in players ideas of what leads to success,
there are just as many differences. Some athletes
put the onus on external factors like coaches,
facilities and resources, while others recognize
that to be successful you just need to work
harder than the person next to you.