Background/Purpose Student-athletes competing at Division II institutions likely face unique developmental challenges compared to those athletes competing at the Division I level. To illustrate, the scholarship allotments for student-athletes and the amount of money per athletic scholarship at Division II schools are considerably less than those of Division I universities (Baucom & Lantz, 2001; Gorney & Ness, 2000). The purpose of this study was to highlight different challenges faced by NCAA Division II athletic departments and the effects they may have on the development of their student-athletes.
Method We conducted a qualitative case study in which we analyzed existing documents from the NCAA Handbook along with internet documents from one Division II and one Division I athletic conference. We also conducted interviews with employees of a Division II athletic program to gain insight into the challenges facing their athletic department.
Analysis/Results Results indicated similar academic requirements and time allotments for practice and team activities for student-athletes at both the Division I and II levels. Division II athletic programs generally employed less support staff (tutors, academic advisors, life-skills personnel) for their student-athletes than did Division I programs. Division II universities typically lacked facilities specifically dedicated to the support and academic needs of their student-athletes as did many Division I universities.
Conclusions The similar academic requirements and smaller support staffs of Division II athletic programs suggest that Division II student-athletes may indeed face difficulties unique from those of Division I student-athletes. This study highlighted some of the possible obstacles to the development of these student-athletes.
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