The Black Student-Athlete Experience:
Let's Talk About It!
Being a student-athlete is such a unique experience and it is different for each athlete. No experience is the same, as we encounter different hurdles and potholes in our athletic journey that ultimately mold us into who we eventually become. The challenges that all athletes face is similar as we balance our lives academically, socially, and personally, all while trying to maintain world-class shape to be able to operate at peak performance in our respective sports.
While this may be the case, black student-athletes face even more unique stressors and challenges as their experience as athletes magnifies the deeper-rooted issues that affect society.
Black student-athletes, who participate in sports at predominantly white institutions (PWIs), face issues related to their classroom experiences, academic performance, major selection patterns, and cultural and social isolation. These issues persist rather silently and don't always capture the attention of people in passing because these are factors that other athletes don't have to think about, let alone process. Being a student-athlete should be proudly stated that there is a privilege that comes with such status, but there is also a quiet cloud that looms over the heads of some black student-athletes at white institutions that rains often. It is important to note that not all black student-athletes face these issues, as some campuses have made it a priority to create inclusive spaces where diversity is not just noted but celebrated but for many black student-athletes, their athletic accomplishments are a determining factor in their perceived value, and this should not be the case. Some black athletes are first-generation college students who are trying to maneuver the new social standards that they must meet on their campus with the expectation to culturally assimilate. Some black student-athletes are athletes who have not had the opportunity or been encouraged to explore enriching educational experiences beyond athletics, and it limits their growth as students and future professionals. Lastly, some black-student athletes may participate in a sport where they are the only black person in their sport and may face social isolation. These are all real issues that black student-athletes face! These circumstances can lead to identity issues and can impact the current and future mental well-being of athletes affected. While these problems won't go away and will always exist, simply because of the dynamics of our country, work can still be done. The first step to repairing a problem is discussing it. Having dialogue and engaging in discourse around black student-athlete inclusivity will open the door to hard discussions that will encourage black athletes to speak their truth, no matter how hard it is to hear it. Athletic departments, teams, coaches, and administrators must create a culture of visibility for all athletes to be seen beyond their athletic performance, and to engage with them on deeper levels to know the human first and the athlete second. We must recognize the possible hurdles that black student-athletes face on PWI campuses, and while their athletic performance is to be celebrated, their humanity is much more important and should be prioritized to cultivate a more holistic student-athlete experience.
