Is excellence inclusive? The benefits of fostering Black female college athlete's sense of belonging
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15763/issn.2376-5267.2018.1.3.48-73Abstract
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 to major organizational change that values diversity and inclusion; and through its commitment, a culture of inclusive excellence is felt by all students, faculty, staff and athletic administrators and coaches.
Keywords: Black female college athletes, college sport, intercollegiate athletics, sense of belonging, diversity and inclusion, inclusive excellence
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