Abstract
The NCAA (2013) reports that fewer than 2% of college student-athletes are called up to the ranks of professional athletes. Thus, the overwhelming majority of student-athletes face the prospect of choosing a career objective other than that of professional athlete. However, the literature suggests that student-athletes are not prepared to enter the traditional workforce (Murphy et al., 1996). While these athletes are often granted priority course scheduling to help them balance arduous competition with academic demands, the typical programs and resources at most universities may not be enough to help them navigate their career paths. Little research exists on the experiences of college athletes as they navigate their careers and develop their career path. The purpose of this study was to explore the career path experience of Division 1 student-athletes and the factors that can help or hinder navigation of their career path. Of particular interest to the study was the career path experience of Division 1 football players. Framed by Super’s (1950) career development theory, the study sought to answer the following research questions: (a) What was the career path experience like for Division 1 football student-athletes? and (b) What factors helped or hindered navigation of their career path?