Navigating the Recruitment Maze: Latinx Athletes' Journey to College Athletics. (16th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ortega, Guillermo; Grafnetterova, Nikola
• Is Part Of: Journal of higher education. Volume 94:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: 357
• Page End: 380
• Publication Date: 2023-04-16
• Subjects: Education -- Periodicals; Education, Higher -- Periodicals; 378
• DOI: 10.1080/00221546.2022.2134683
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1546

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Despite Latinxs steadily rising in number among the U.S. population, these students have been systematically excluded from the study of intercollegiate athletics. Guided by Yosso's (2005) Community Cultural Wealth model, this qualitative study explored the recruitment experiences of 12 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Latinx college athletes. Through one-on-one interviews, this study sought to examine the pathways for Latinx college athletes to NCAA Division I institutions. The study unveiled three themes: (1) coach empowerment, (2) familial support, and (3) athletic networking. The findings depicted that the chances to become recruited to an NCAA Division I institution are not equal for Latinx high school students. Rather, those who possessed certain capital were more likely to navigate the recruitment maze and secure themselves a spot on an NCAA roster. The article concludes with recommendations for academic and athletic stakeholders.