Academic achievement vs. athletic triumph : a study of the goal aspirations of African American male student-athletes at a large Midwestern university

The purpose of this study was to examine the goal aspirations of African-American, male student athletes participating in college football and/or basketball at large, Mid-western institution. The study focused on issues such as: 1) their perceptions of opportunities related to their futures; 2) identities, 3) cultural isolation, and 4) the academic counseling services provided by the Athletic department. The research foreshadowed that there is a relationship between black, male student- athletes and factors such as: perceptions of opportunities, identity, cultural isolation, and academic counseling which plays an instrumental role in their educational attainment. The study also argues that a perpetual cycle, or phenomenon exists for this population. Each year thousands of these individuals enter college institutions dreaming of participating on the professional level. Many place more emphasis on their athletic livelihood, which becomes intrusive to their academic achievement, or college degrees. The goal for this study is provide a perspective and understanding of the experiences\u27 of Black, male student-athletes who participated in high-revenue sports (e.g. football and basketball). The findings listed in this study are intended to provide recommendations for athletic administration, faculty, coaches, and the student-athletes themselves