“Of Course I Was the Only Black Girl”: Unpacking the Academic Experiences of Black Women Student-Athletes at PWIs

Abstract

There is still much to be understood about the intersections of race and gender and how Black women student-athletes experience and navigate various academic and classroom environments and situations, particularly at predominantly White institutions. Using critical race feminism and narrative inquiry, this study unpacked the academic experiences of Black women student-athletes at predominantly White institutions. The findings reveal challenges navigating academic and athletic roles, responsibilities, and priorities; experiences of being the only Black girl in the classroom; and aspects of preparing for life after sports. Implications for research and practice are discussed.