2022/10/26 by Guillermo Ortega, Nikola Grafnetterova
Social Sciences · #Higher Education Research Studies #Sports, Gender, and Society #Critical Race Theory in Education
paper · doi:10.1080/00221546.2022.2134683
Despite Latinxs steadily rising in number among the U.S. population, these students have been systematically excluded from the study of intercollegiate athletics. Guided by Yosso’s (2005) Community Cultural Wealth model, this qualitative study explored the recruitment experiences of 12 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Latinx college athletes. Through one-on-one interviews, this study sought to examine the pathways for Latinx college athletes to NCAA Division I institutions. The study unveiled three themes: (1) coach empowerment, (2) familial support, and (3) athletic networking. The findings depicted that the chances to become recruited to an NCAA Division I institution are not equal for Latinx high school students. Rather, those who possessed certain capital were more likely to navigate the recruitment maze and secure themselves a spot on an NCAA roster. The article concludes with recommendations for academic and athletic stakeholders.