Matriculation in Student-Athletes

Prospective students tend to seek out institutions that match their required level of academic integrity and success. Institutions that are awarded for academic accomplishments have a greater influence on prospective students (Magnesun, 2014). This is pertinent to many factors, but primarily because students want to represent a diploma from an institution that propels their future and makes them stand out. They wish to graduate from somewhere that is associated with excellence and success. With the correlation we made earlier, this implies that the same can be said for student-athletes and their pursuit to join teams that have demonstrated success.

According to Klenosky, culture plays a large role in the decision-making process for students and student-athletes alike (2001). Traditions are influential decision makers because individuals want to associate themselves with something to be proud of with a group of people that share something in common. This appeals to one of the needs according to Maslow in needing acceptance and community. Of other factors, Andrew states that top indicators of college decisions are reflected in the head coach, location of the school, athletic facilities, and athletic traditions (2016). In addition, socioeconomic concerns seem to be contributing factors with substantial evidence. Finally, evidence points to familial pressures that contribute to the multi-faceted process (Schaeperkoetter, 2015). Students and student-athletes are influenced by these final two in similar manners. Most of which points to pride. Students wish to make decisions that earn respect from their superiors, causing stress-induced decisions. Likewise, the socioeconomic background can be of great stress due to the understanding that it is a sacrifice for other stakeholders than just the student. The perceived pressure, whether or not explicitly placed upon them by the stakeholders, increases the burden-like feeling to perform at a particular level and effect where they will attend school because they want to make the experience and sacrifice worthwhile.