A Narrative Study of the Viewpoints of Former Black Male Student-Athletes on Transitioning from a Division I University to a Career After Eligibility

The purpose of this narrative study was to explore the stories and viewpoints of Division I Black Male Student Athletes (BMSAs) who played the sport of basketball to ascertain factors that influenced their life transitions Before Eligibility (BE), During Eligibility (DE), and career After Eligibility (AE). ^ A criterion sampling approach was used that purposively selected BMSAs who identified as Black men born in America, who had earned a degree, and who were between the ages of 30-39 at the time of their participation. This study involved a sample of 10 former BMSAs who played basketball at Division I Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). A narrative research approach was used to empower the participants to share their stories and viewpoints on playing basketball and transitioning to a career after eligibility. The BMSAs reflected on their experiences before eligibility (BE), during eligibility (DE), and after eligibility (AE). This study combined a descriptive and informative approach; Critical Race Theory (CRT) was used as the conceptual framework. ^ The research questions were, What are the expressed viewpoints of the purposefully selected former Division I BMSAs who have transitioned to a career after eligibility? and Do selected athletes believe their involvement in sports enhanced their opportunities beyond the college experience? ^ Responses of the participants to questions referring to their stories and viewpoints before eligibility, during eligibility, and after eligibility were analyzed. The findings of this study were not generalized beyond the small sample but revealed that most of the selected BMSAs seemingly struggled with the transitioning to a career after eligibility. The narratives of these men speak to their truth about identity, marginalization, expectations, and transitioning to a career after eligibility. These findings have important implications for the kind of support and training needed for BMSAs to ensure they are receiving a complete, overall experience that lends to their career options beyond the sport.^ The researcher recommends that a larger sample of BMSA participants in revenue-producing sports and all Student Athletes in all Divisions of the NCAA should be conducted using the conceptual framework cited herein and a quantitative study that utilizes constructs identified for this study.