Scholars' Showcase 2018

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between communication skills and athletics. Specifically, I investigate the effect that athletic involvement has on communication practices and skills. I ask what the positive and/or negative communication habits are that may have been formed in athletes as a result of their involvement in sports. In order to answer this research question, I utilize qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 8 student-athletes. Preliminary results suggest that while communicating with coaches and other teammates, student-athletes have learned how to communicate with people in authority positions, as well as communication that favors team-building and leadership abilities.