Background/Purpose
Currently, there is little research or studies that provide quantitative and qualitative data to support the relationship of unpreparedness and coping for freshmen college athletes. The purpose of this project is to understand the impact of stressors on college freshmen athletes and their choices of coping strategies. Specific research questions were (1) what extent are freshmen athletes' choices of coping strategies influenced by their preparedness for college?, and (2) To what extent do freshmen athletes' perceptions of social support during their transition to college influence their choice of coping strategies?
Method
The participants of this study were members of the freshmen class of a 2007-2008 NCAA D-I University football team. Of the twenty freshmen players who started the 2007-2008 football season, ten of them agreed to continue participation in this study while in their second year at college. Six of the ten athletes that did not participate left the football program during their freshmen year. The other four remained on the team but chose not to participate. Data collection consisted of a two part survey which was created to assess (1) freshman athletes' preparedness for college and perceptions of social support and effective, and (2) effective and ineffective copying strategies used to alleviate stress during the freshmen year. Additionally, each athlete was interviewed providing a retrospective history of their recollection of their transition experiences. They were asked about their perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes concerning this transition.
Analysis/Results
Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and then analyzed to identify recurring themes. Responses to the survey were coded and analyzed using SPSS. Correlations were found significant at the .05 level. Survey results indicate a relationship between athletes' effective and ineffective coping strategies and their experience of stress of transitioning into college athletics. Three reoccurring themes emerged from the data: (1) Perception of social support from teammates and coaches and ease in athletic transition, (2) Preparedness for college academics, and (3) Feelings of self-doubt, discouragement, and high stress.
Conclusions
The quantitative and qualitative findings of this study have implications for future research involving freshmen athletes, their stressors, and coping strategies used to alleviate stress. The success of athletes and success of programs depend partly on the transition from high school to college.