Student-athletes' personal development through sport participation: The role of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) coach

Abstract

The purpose of higher education in the 21st century is multifaceted, with a significant emphasis on personal learning and development through the multiple experiences of the student (Dickinson, 2000; Kuh, 1993, 1995). For many students, these experiences include interuniversity athletics. Interuniversity sport is highly contested however, as positive developmental outcomes are not automatic and cannot be assumed by participation alone (Hartmann & Kwauk, 2011). Instead, it requires the intentional application of conditions conducive to student-athlete development. The purpose of this study was to explore Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) coaches' perspectives on the personal development of student-athletes through interuniversity sport participation. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with head and assistant coaches and explored coaches' perceptions of the purpose of sport in advancing athletes' personal development and the methods coaches use to help support this aspect of student-athlete development. Findings reveal a general inability of coaches to articulate an understanding of what personal development looks like in the context of sport and further to this, coaches demonstrate difficulty making explicit the ways they help facilitate and support the personal development of their student-athletes. These findings extend our understanding of the role coach's play in supporting and facilitating student-athletes' personal growth and development.