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DOI

https://doi.org/10.51221/sc.jiia.2026.19.1.1

Abstract

The relationship between club sports in intercollegiate athletics and their influence on student recruitment and retention remains underexplored within the broader participatory sport ecosystem. Guided by push–pull models of college selection, this study examines whether the availability of club sports functions as a meaningful pull factor in students’ decisions to enroll in and remain at an institution. Survey data were collected from 151 current undergraduate and graduate club sport athletes across the United States. Exploratory factor analysis identified a distinct Club Sports factor, demonstrating strong construct validity and internal consistency. Multiple regression analyses revealed that club sport availability was a significant predictor of college selection, rivaling—and in some cases surpassing—traditional determinants such as geographic location, coach relationship, and academic considerations. Results further suggest that club sports contribute to students’ sense of institutional fit and intentions to persist, highlighting their relevance beyond initial enrollment decisions. These findings position club sports as more than ancillary recreational opportunities and underscore their potential value as strategic assets for admissions, retention, and student engagement. Implications for higher education administrators and directions for future research are discussed.

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