The influences of the coaches' expectations on the goal setting of Division I student-athletes

The purposes of this study are to identify what type of goals the Division I student-athletes set, how student-athletes assess their goals, and how coaches' expectations influence the goals that the student-athletes set for themselves. The eight institutions offering both men's and women's swimming and men's and women's basketball within the Mid-American Conference were selected for this study. The participants of this study completed a survey in which they indicated what type of goals best describe the goals that they set, how they assess their goals, and who is the most influential on the goals that they set. The data was analyzed using descriptive research. The study indicated that student-athletes set performance, process and outcome goals to achieve their desired outcome. The pressures that student-athletes placed on themselves, as well as their coaches' expectations influenced the goals that they set. This study was conducted to recognize the goal setting process of Division I student-athletes and the influences that have an effect on their goals.School of Physical EducationThesis (M.A.