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Abstract

Due to the varied community service opportunities offered to intercollegiate student- athletes at many institutions in the United States (NCAA, 2011), it is important to understand the effects and perceptions of these experiences on these student-athletes. Yet, despite the vast opportunities for student-athletes, there is a lack of research on the results and impact of student-athlete participation in community service. This case study presents data that highlights the outcomes of community service participation as specified by the participants, which are categorized in eight themes: Coach Support, Enjoyment, Helping Hand, Leadership, Lessons Learned, Motivation, Staying Connected, and Togetherness. These themes were generated as a result of analysis of the responses taken directly from transcription. Using a grounded theory approach, data collected from this study was analyzed using open and axial coding. Results indicate that community service participation evokes benefits to both the individual student- athlete and the team as a whole, with administrative support (i.e. coaches) playing a key role in experiences of these athletes. In addition, responses from the participants revealed student- athletes should provide input (i.e. selection) on community service projects, community service should occur regularly within the athletic program, require student-athletes to work together, and elicit a meaningful experience.

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