More than basketball: Determining the sport components that lead to long-term benefits for African-American girls Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Sport participation has the capacity to enhance the athletic and academic performance of adolescents. However, African-American participants have not enjoyed the positive academic benefits that are common among other populations. Sport is a popular developmental intervention for African-American youth, yet sport programs do not always render the intended benefits (Coalter, 2007). The purpose of this study was to determine the components of school-based sport programs that create long-term benefits for African-American girls. A high school basketball program based on positive youth development served as the program site. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with current and former players and program stakeholders. Four key values underpin the success of the program: family, education, discipline, and civic engagement. The results indicate that successful programs need flexible-not standard-design commitment to program values, and consistency in mission and implementation. Implications for the design and implementation of sport programs to improve the athletic and academic performance of African-American girls are discussed. 2012 Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand.

published proceedings

  • Sport Management Review

author list (cited authors)

  • Olushola, J. O., Jones, D. F., Dixon, M. A., & Green, B. C.

citation count

  • 16

complete list of authors

  • Olushola, Joyce O||Jones, D Floyd||Dixon, Marlene A||Green, B Christine

publication date

  • January 2013