Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Is Excellence Inclusive? The Benefits Of Fostering Black Female College Athlete's Sense Of Belonging, Akilah R. Carter-Francique

Faculty Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity

The purpose of this research note is to urge intercollegiate athletic departments and their administrators to foster a sense of belonging amongst Black female college athletes to aid in their felt membership as a college athlete and support their development as viable employment candidates in college sport. Black female college athletes’ graduation rates are on the rise; however, these being hired at dismal rates in college sport. By fostering a sense of belonging, Black female college athletes as a historically marginalized group are able to feel a sense of connectedness in the athletics and greater university environment; athletic departments commit …