A case study of the transition experiences of freshman student athletes

The transition from high school to college can be a difficult and stressful experience for a freshman student-athlete. Student athletes are embarking upon a time of significant change, excitement, and stimulating times. In addition to transitioning into college life, freshman student-athletes face numerous challenges and opportunities to learn and explore the world around them. Additionally, coaches, athletic directors and administrators, through their own involvement, can show freshman student-athletes how to look beyond high school and into higher education. Institutions frequently try to accomplish this by initiating, designing, and implementing transition programs in an attempt to assist freshman student-athletes during the transition into college environments. The purpose of this study was to examine the student-athletes' transition experience from high school to the community college environment. This study sought to address the role of a head coach in the student-athletes' transition process, and elements perceived by freshman student-athletes as contributing factors during transition. In addition, programs were identified that can be implemented by head coaches, athletic directors, and administrators to aid during the transition process of freshman student-athletes from high school into college.