Master of Arts in Professional Communication, Youngstown State University, 2017, Department of Communicaton

This study explores social exchange theory in relationships between college coaches and athletes. There are positive and negative aspects of athletes' perceptions of their coaches' recruitment styles, communication competence, ability to motivate, support, and leadership styles. Past studies have looked into student-athletes' perceptions of their coaches' communication and relationship with their student-athletes. This study builds on this research by exploring student-athlete alumni perceptions of their coaches. As a previous student-athlete alumna on the track and field team at Youngstown State University, I encountered a variety of experiences with multiple coaches. I interviewed seven men and seven women alumni who were members of the Youngstown State University Track and Field team. I used three demographic questions, 26 nonverbal immediacy scale-observer questions (Richmond, McCroskey, & Johnson, 2003), and five open ended questions to apply the social exchange theory to athletes' perceptions of their coaches' communication competence, motivation, support, and leadership styles. Results also indicate a difference between men's and women's perception of their coaches. Women's primary factors included support combined with trust from coaches. Men mainly looked at their individual performance, injuries, and financial aid to figure out whether they wanted to be on the team or not. This study indicates that athletes are satisfied when their coaches treat athletes like friends and treat each individual athlete with care.

Committee: Rebecca Curnalia PhD (Advisor); Christina Saenger PhD (Committee Member); Jay Gordon PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Communication; Gender Studies; Social Research; Sports Management

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Allied Health Sciences: Nutrition

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a six-week nutrition education intervention in increasing nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy related to nutrition behaviors in female high school athletes. Methods: A preliminary assessment of needs was distributed to a group of athletes at a local high school. Female high school athletes were recruited to participate in the nutrition intervention.. The intervention included six-weekly nutrition education sessions, each of which being one half hour in duration. The topics of the classes included energy needs, macronutrients, micronutrients, periodization, hydration, and supplement usage. Nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy related to nutrition behaviors were assessed before and after the intervention. Paired T-tests were used to examine the differences pre- to post-intervention for nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy. Results: Seventeen participants completed both the pre- and post-test. The average knowledge post-test score was 34.35. The average change in score from pre to post was +3.7 points. The post-test score was significantly higher than the pre-test score at p<0.05. The average score of the self-efficacy pre-evaluation was 4.67 points (with the highest possible score being 7 and lowest possible score being 1), and the average score of the self-efficacy post-evaluation was 5.94 points. The average change in this score was +1.24 points. The average score from the self-efficacy post-evaluation was significantly higher than that of the self-efficacy pre-evaluation at p<0.001. There were no significant differences found by grade level for self-efficacy or nutrition knowledge. Conclusion: This nutrition education intervention was shown to be effective in increasing sports nutrition knowledge and self-efficacy in this population. The short duration and flexibility of this program indicate that it would be feasible to repeat the intervention with future participants. Future inte (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Sarah Couch Ph.D. (Committee Member); Abigail Peairs Ph.D. (Committee Chair) Subjects: Nutrition

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2008, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2024, Higher Education (Education)

Female student-athletes encounter unique challenges in navigating their social and mental well-being, often intensified by various stereotypes and pressures within athletic culture. This study explores the experiences of female student-athletes in community creation as well as how the various communities contribute to their growth and development. Former NCAA female softball players from a mid-size institution located in the Midwestern United Students were interviewed, using basic qualitative research methods, to understand their experiences. Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory served as the theoretical framework, with an intersectional lens to account for diverse experiences. The study addresses the gap in literature and provides insights into supporting female student-athletes' holistic well-being. Limitations include the binary gender classification within athletics and the focus on one sport at one institution. The findings present the opportunity to inform future research and practical efforts to enhance support for female student-athletes.

Committee: Peter Mather (Committee Chair); Brittany Peterson (Committee Member); Tamarine Foreman (Committee Member); Laura Harrison (Committee Member) Subjects: Higher Education; Higher Education Administration

Doctor of Education , University of Dayton, 2023, Educational Administration

Coaching, training, and developing are the basic fundamental roles and responsibilities of coaches who are dedicated to helping student-athletes achieve their personal athletic goals. The value of social support, connections, and relationships are underestimated and less visible, within the practices and structure of Athletic Organizations. This phenomenological action research study explores the experiences, challenges, and achievements of seven Black collegiate student-athletes. Their lived experiences are highlighted, not by the degree of athletic coaching or training, but magnified by the quality of robust relationships identified as influential social connections and supportive networks. While society contextualizes coaching in the same manner as mentoring, this research gives significance to the relational connections of coaches and peers, and provides meaning and understanding to the importance of trust, relational interactions and social connections. The presence of influential relationships are depicted in their experiences, challenges and achievements and addresses the question of how Athletic Organizations can use their student athletes lived experiences to decide how to prepare Black student-athletes for college.

Committee: Corrine Brion Ph.D. (Committee Chair) Subjects: Education; Educational Leadership; Health Sciences

Bachelor of Science, Wittenberg University, 2022, Exercise Science

While majority of the evidence shows acute and longitudinal cardiovascular anomalies exist in a patient population following COVID-19 infection, little is known about subsequent cardiovascular effects in a student-athlete population. With known potential effects to student-athletes pulmonary function, it is reasonable to assume long-term cardiovascular complications exist as well. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine if longitudinal cardiovascular effects of COVID-19 exist in student-athletes. Twenty-four college-aged student-athletes were split into two groups for comparison based on self-reported COVID status. Twelve subjects reported to have tested positive for COVID-19 10-14 months prior (COV+), while the other twelve participants reported to have never tested positive for COVID-19 (CON). Both groups were sport-matched to ensure that cardiorespiratory fitness was comparable. Direct comparison of both groups was analyzed for VO2, heart rate, and blood pressure via student t-tests with significance set a priori at p<0.05. Age, resting heart rate, resting mean arterial pressure, VO2peak were not different between groups. Additionally, heart rate and mean arterial pressure during exercise corresponding to 85% HRR was not different between groups. Heart rate recovery and mean arterial pressure recovery after exercise was different between groups, with a longer recovery period for the COV+ group compared to the CON group. The mean arterial pressure recovery time is prolonged before returning to resting levels in the representative subject from the COV+ group. Additionally, heart rate was slowed in returning to resting levels in the COV+ group. Interestingly, no differences existed between groups regarding heart rate and mean arterial pressure during exercise.

Committee: John Thistlethwaite (Advisor); Cathy Pederson (Committee Member); Hung-Sheng Hsu (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Care; Health Sciences; Sports Medicine

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2022, Educational Studies

This constructivist narrative inquiry thesis focuses on the stories Native American student-athletes share about their college choice, academic, and athletic experiences. I review existing literature on Native American student athletes' persistence and retention as well as college choice and environmental themes that support Native students and student-athletes. I then share my research design, including methodology, methods for story collection, and proposed methods for narrative analysis. The most common association by non-Native collegians between the phrases "Native American" and "college athletics" is any number of offensive college mascots. Rarely do non-Native people think of Native American student-athletes or consider what it means to be Native and a college student competing in intercollegiate athletics. Using narrative inquiry and Tribal Critical Race Theory as a theoretical framework, I elevate the throughlines within the Native American student-athlete collegiate experience and suggest best practices for both —Higher Education Administration and Athletics—by listening to and understanding Native American student-athletes' experiences in choosing a college/university and their athletic and academic experiences while attending an NCAA Division institution. The findings of this study indicate Native American student-athletes are unfamiliar with the athletic recruiting process and Native American campus resources have a positive influence on the Native American student-athlete experience. Recommendations are provided.

Committee: Penny Pasque (Committee Chair); Stephen Quaye (Advisor) Subjects: Education; Higher Education; Higher Education Administration; Native American Studies; Native Americans; Native Studies; Sports Management

MS, Kent State University, 2022, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Health Sciences

To date, little to no scientific literature exists on the role of the gut microbiota on athletic performance. This scarcity of research and application may be preventing athletes from achieving peak physical potential. With more research, dietitians may be capable of educating the athletic population toward improving gut health and toward alleviating gastrointestinal detriments via targeted nutritional treatments. This, in turn, may allow improvement in sport performance by addressing gut microbiota imbalance symptoms. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prevalence and severity of gut microbiota imbalance symptomology in male and female NCAA Division I, collegiate athletes at a large Midwestern university. The participants were male and female college athletes at Kent State University who were ≥18 years old. An electronic survey was distributed which included demographical, foundational health and training, and gastrointestinal/gut microbiota related components and questions. Current study found 100.0% (n=18) of participants experienced one or more gut microbiota imbalance symptoms, with 75.0% (n=3) of males experiencing nine to 13 symptoms and 71.4% (n=10) of females experiencing nine to 13 symptoms. Present study also found that a wide range in severity of gut microbiota imbalance symptoms exists, with 12 of the 13 associated symptoms showing varied levels of moderate or severe impairments to sport performance. These findings suggest that gut microbiota imbalance symptoms are highly prevalent within the collegiate athlete population, that there exists a wide range in severity of associated symptoms, and that varying degrees of impairment to sport performance exists from such symptoms.

Committee: Amy Miracle (Advisor); Jamie Matthews (Committee Member); Natalie Caine-Bish (Committee Member) Subjects: Health; Health Care; Health Sciences; Nutrition

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, 2021, Higher Education Administration

For prospective college student-athletes, college selection is a multifaceted process that often involves athletic recruitment and is different from a traditional student exploring college options. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to examine the recruitment experiences of women participating in intercollegiate athletics and the factors that were most influential to their college choice. This study used Perna's (2006) Proposed Model of College Choice and Magnusen et al.'s (2014) Social Influence Model of College Choice as theoretical frameworks to understand the essence of women student-athletes' lived experiences related to recruitment and college choice. Ten women student-athletes who were 18 years or older and played Division I field hockey or volleyball at NCAA member institutions participated in the study. Each participant engaged in two, 60-90-minute semi-structured interview sessions. Following interviews, data were transcribed and verified by participants for accuracy before being coded to identify themes. The findings from this research show that coaches and parents serve in the capacity of influential agents, resources, and/or supports to women student-athletes throughout the recruitment process. Results also showed that academics and team culture were highly valued institutional factors that dictated the college decisions of women student-athletes. Moreover, there are factors that are internal and external to the institution that are most salient to women student-athletes' college choice.

Committee: Amanda Paule-Koba Ph.D. (Committee Co-Chair); Christina Lunceford Ph.D. (Committee Co-Chair); Maureen Wilson Ph.D. (Committee Member); Michael Zickar Ph.D. (Other) Subjects: Adult Education; Gender; Higher Education; Higher Education Administration; Sports Management; Womens Studies

Master of Science in Exercise and Health Studies, Miami University, 2018, Exercise and Health Studies

The purpose of this study was to examine how perfectionism influences the self-talk of athletes. Additionally, a second purpose was to examine athletes' perceptions of their positive and negative self-talk, in terms of how these forms of self-talk influence their performance. To test this relationship and analyze athletes' perception of their own self-talk, the Sport Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-2 and a Self-Talk Survey was administered to 270 collegiate athletes from various universities. A correlational analysis indicated that when athletes scored higher on organization as a form of adaptive perfectionism, the more positive self-talk and less negative self-talk they used. Conversely, when athletes scored higher on the maladaptive forms of perfectionism, the more negative self-talk and less positive self-talk they used. A thematic analysis revealed that positive and negative self-talk can be both helpful and hurtful to athletes' sport performance depending on the situation and the individual.

Committee: Robin Vealey (Committee Chair); Rose Marie Ward (Committee Member); Robert Weinberg (Committee Member) Subjects: Psychology; Sports Management; Sports Medicine

Master of Science, Miami University, 2017, Exercise and Health Studies

This study presents the results of a phenomenological qualitative analysis of former team sport athletes' experiences of physical and psychological effects of sport-related concussion. Concussions have become increasingly prevalent in sport and knowledge surrounding the injury has become more available. Most research on sport-related concussions has focused on return to play and the physiological aspects of the injury; however, concussed individuals may also suffer psychological symptoms. Former athletes are experiencing health issues due to the physical and psychological nature of this injury. This study sought to add to this literature by exploring what physical and psychological effects former high school/collegiate team sport athletes experienced because of a sport-related concussion and the meanings they make of (how they experienced) these physical and psychological effects of a sport-related concussion.

Committee: Valeria Freysinger (Advisor); Robert Weinberg (Committee Member); Eric Brooks (Committee Member) Subjects: Health Sciences; Kinesiology; Psychology; Social Psychology; Sports Medicine

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2000, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Black Studies

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1987, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Education

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1971, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Psychology

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 1966, Graduate School

Committee: Not Provided (Other) Subjects: Education

Master of Arts, Miami University, 2016, Speech Pathology and Audiology

Introduction: Collegiate varsity and club sport athletics differ in funding, services and personnel to manage concussions. The study's purpose was to determine if variations in concussion recovery patterns existed between varsity and club sports. Methods: Preliminary retrospective records review was conducted of Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT©) and Post-Concussion Rating Scale (PCRS) among varsity and club athletes with concussions, 99 athletes met inclusion criteria. Stepwise regression model was utilized to analyze data. Results: No significant difference in recovery time between varsity and club sport athletes. The study revealed males return to baseline quicker than females (p=0.0116) and athletes with history of concussion have a longer recovery time (p=0.0932). Discussion: Findings applied with caution secondary to limited club athletes that met inclusion criteria due to challenges with student-lead organizations. Further examination of concussion management protocols and education programs that supports the unique needs of club sports is warranted.

Committee: Kelly Knollman Porter Ph. D., CCC-SLP (Advisor); Laura Kelly Ph. D., CCC-A (Committee Member); Mike Hughes M. S. (Committee Member) Subjects: Speech Therapy; Sports Management

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2016, EDU Physical Activity and Educational Services

International student-athletes (ISAs) are one of the fastest growing subpopulations in intercollegiate athletics, increasing at a rate that is far outpacing the overall student-athlete growth in NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics. This growth demonstrates the increased need to study this population in terms of the experienced issues during the transition and ways in which colleges and universities, as well as intercollegiate athletic departments, can better support this population for retention and success (NCAA, 2015). This study examines the between group differences of international student-athletes and domestic student-athletes In two separate studies, this work utilized a panel of experts that work with the international student (both non-athlete and athlete) population on the campus of a large, Midwestern University in a multitude of capacities in order to develop a survey instrument that could accurately assess the transitional issues experience and support needs of the ISA population on campus through the Delphi method of consensus. The latter study utilized the survey developed through a Delphi method of consensus to sample international and domestic student-athletes, as well as international non-athletes, on one campus in order to identify significant statistical differences between the groups on items related to the transition to college and sources of academic, personal, and athletic support. Independent samples t-tests were employed to analyze the data, and comparisons were made between the international and domestic respondents that were sampled for the study. Transitional issues and sources of support found to be statistically significant in the data were applied to the recommendations proposed in the conclusion of this dissertation. Through studying both the practitioners that work with the ISA population on campus and the ISAs themselves, data was uncovered that both confirmed previous research on ISAs, international student non-athle (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Brian Turner PhD (Advisor); Donna Pastore PhD (Committee Member); Marc Johnston-Guerrero PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Higher Education; Sports Management

Master of Science in Sport Studies, Miami University, 2015, Exercise and Health Studies

The purpose of this study was to determine if athletes' levels of burnout change from the beginning to the end of a competitive season. The second purpose was to determine if there is a predictive link between athletes' perceptions of their coaches' leadership styles and behaviors and changes that occur over the season in athletes' level of burnout. At two points in their competitive season, 126 collegiate female athletes completed burnout and coaching behavior/feedback measures. Results of repeated measures MANOVAs revealed that global burnout did increase across a season, but sub-dimensionally there was difference. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed overall support for all three regression models (early season burnout measures, perceptions of success, and coaching behaviors). Reduced accomplishment was predicted by all three regression models, while exhaustion and devaluation were only predicted by early season burnout measures and coaching behaviors/feedback. Future directions and limitations of the study are also discussed.

Committee: Thelma Horn Dr. (Advisor); Robin Vealey Dr. (Committee Member); Randal Claytor Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Kinesiology

Master of Science, Miami University, 2013, Sport Studies

This study seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the experiences of hockey players who have been drafted by a professional organization while in college. Participants consisted of five drafted college hockey players representing five Division I NCAA hockey programs. The players participated in semi-structured interviews during which they shared their personal experiences while in college. Four overarching themes emerged from the interviews. These themes and the participants' experiences are discussed at length. Additionally, participants' experiences are compared and contrasted to findings in contemporary literature focusing on the student-athlete population. Limitations as well as potential directions for future research are also addressed.

Committee: Robin Vealey PhD (Advisor); Peter Magolda PhD (Committee Member); John Ward PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Counseling Psychology; Kinesiology

MEd, University of Cincinnati, 2001, Education : Health Promotion and Education

In the 1990's the incidence of eating disorders among college aged females had increased (Johnston & Christropher, 1991) with specific concern for female college athletes. A 1992 NCAA study found that 70% of responding institutions reported at least one case of an eating disorder with the highest prevalence in gymnastics, cross country, swimming, and track (Dick, 1993). College athletic trainers dealt with athletes on a daily basis and were responsible for identifying and helping athletes with eating disorders. Researchers asserted that the education of athletic trainers on the issue of eating disorders was key in preventing future cases (Turk, 1999). A comprehensive review of the literature revealed no published study examining college athletic trainers' knowledge of and perceived confidence in identifying athletes with eating disorders. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess Division IA and IAA college athletic trainers' knowledge and perceived efficacy expectation regarding female college athletes with eating disorders. A four-page questionnaire was administered to 236 Division IA and IAA institutions. The survey consisted of questions on knowledge of eating disorders, perceived role and efficacy expectation of the athletic trainer, and demographic information. There was a 72% overall response rate from all institutions. Results showed that the majority of athletic trainers felt it was their role to identify (strongly agree = 78%) athletes with eating disorders. Most correctly responded to knowledge questions on risk factors, warning signs, and long-term problems of eating disorders. However, only 1 in 4 (27%) felt efficacious in identifying an athlete with an eating disorder and only 1 in 3 (38%) felt efficacious in asking an athlete if she had an eating disorder. Gender and athletic department policy were significant with efficacy expectation and athletic trainers' knowledge did not differ based on gender or athletic department policy. Based on the (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Keith A. King (Advisor) Subjects: Education, Health