The Influence of Specialization Versus Diversification in Youth Sport on Long-Term Sport and Physical Activity Participation and Enjoyment Among Female College Student

This study investigates the influence of specialization versus diversification in youth sport on long-term sport and physical activity participation and enjoyment among college females. Participants were selected from Indiana University of Pennsylvania Kinesiology, Health and Sport Science courses as well as from four collegiate teams. The study used a modified Youth Sport Research Survey (YSRS) and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) to distribute to the participants.;Previous research on this topic focused on males and females. Russell (2014) reported "specializers" were less likely to actively participate in sport as a young adult as well as have a higher intrinsic motivation level than those who diversified in youth sport.;Participants in this study who reported specializing as a youth athlete were found to participate in sport as a young adult significantly less than those who diversified. Enjoyment levels did not yield statistical findings among the two classifications.