Factors Influencing College Selection by NCAA Division I, II, and III Softball Student-Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine factors influencing college selection by NCAA Division I, II and III softball players. The Influential Factors Survey for Student-Athletes was used to collect data from 21 teams representing 323 female collegiate softball student-athletes. Descriptive statistics showed the most influential factors were: university offers specific major of interest, academic reputation of university, coach's personality/style, academic facilities, opportunity to play early in career, and graduation rate of athletes. Descriptive analysis further revealed the academics category to have the greatest overall influence in the college selection process. A MANOVA revealed significant differences in the college selection process by softball student-athletes at NCAA Division I, II, and III institutions (<i>p</i> < .05). Recommendations for collegiate softball coaches and athletic department personnel as well as for future research are discussed.