Abstract
Purpose. Why do some people survive in college sports and others thrive? The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to discover the internal and external elements utilized by thriving collegiate women’s volleyball players by exploring the lived experiences of all-Americans from NCAA Division III institutions. A secondary goal of the research was to identify and describe team characteristics that support thriving as perceived by NCAA Division III all-American volleyball players.
Theoretical Framework. In this study, the metatheory of resilience and resiliency (MRR) was used as a descriptor for the motivational force within NCAA Division III women’s volleyball players that drives them to pursue self-actualization while finding the balance needed to realize the physical and metaphysical strength to thrive despite internal and external stressors. Both resilience and resiliency are metatheories providing an umbrella for the work found here.
Methodology. A phenomenological research method was employed to study the highly complex phenomena of resilience thriving related to extraordinary achievers in the realm of collegiate volleyball (all-Americans).
Findings and Conclusion. The major findings of the data analysis came from interview discoveries resulting from an interview protocol consisting of semi structured questions. The findings of this phenomenological study identified four major themes that emerged from the data analysis: (a) collaborative relationships, (b) confidence and mental skills, (c) personal development, and (d) perceived barriers. It is clear that the elements of thriving in NCAA collegiate volleyball require further investigation. However, this study’s exploration into thriving through the experiential lens of NCAA Division III collegiate women’s volleyball all-Americans offers an assortment of suggestions for anyone trying to better understand and facilitate thriving in college volleyball. Essentially, to thrive in NCAA Division III collegiate women’s volleyball, one must find your people, find your balance, and find your joy.
Recommendations. Future studies could examine the effects of thriving for all-Americans based on year received, number of years received, position, honorable mention, or those athletes who were named to the all-American honorable mention team at some point in their collegiate careers but never named to one of the three official teams. Additionally, a study on the comparison of the experience of thriving for NCAA athletes participating on NCAA Championship teams might be endeavored. Finally, future research could evaluate the varied training methods coaches of winning programs utilize during practice and matches compared to the training methods coaches of losing programs utilize.