Becoming the “Ultimate Competitor”: African American Male Student Athletes’ Resolution for Academic Success in the Face of Adversity at NCAA Division I Predominantly White Institutions

Abstract

This study investigated the academic experiences of nine African American male student athletes’ college experiences focusing on prior academic preparation and faculty expectations. Findings in this study illustrate significant heterogeneity and complexity among African American male student athletes, which challenges the current, over-simplified portrayal of their academic experience in higher education. Furthermore, this study highlights that facing racial stereotypes, African American student athletes found it essential to take charge of academic decisions (i.e. academic advising and facilitation of support services initiatives) and to build a team that supported their academic success.