Chinese Athletes' and Parents' Motivations for U.S. Collegiate Sports Participation

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Chinese Athletes' and Parents' Motivations for U.S. Collegiate Sports Participation
Language: English
Authors: Wenting Sun (ORCID 0009-0003-8172-6048), Russell D. Ravert, Simran Kaur Sethi
Source: Journal of International Students. 2026 16(1):45-54.
Availability: Journal of International Students. 4005 Spurgeon Drive #6, Monroe, LA 71203. Tel: 318-600-5743; Fax: 318-342-3131; e-mail: jis@ojed.org; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jis/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
High Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Foreign Students, College Athletics, Athletes, Student Motivation, High School Students, Decision Making, Parents, Aspiration, Family Influence, Resources, Educational Policy, Parent Attitudes, Student Attitudes, Cultural Relevance, Student Recruitment, Interpersonal Communication, Influences
Geographic Terms: China, United States
ISSN: 2162-3104
2166-3750
Abstract: To gain an understanding of international student recruitment and retention in collegiate athletics, this study examines the motivations and decision-making processes of Chinese high school athletes and their parents in pursuing U.S. collegiate sport opportunities. Using the push-pull framework and an ecological perspective, it explores how individual aspirations, family priorities, institutional resources, and national policies shape transnational mobility. Semistructured focus group discussions with 10 athletes and eight parents revealed six key motivational themes and highlighted the influence of recent collegiate sport-related policy changes in China. The findings suggest that while both groups value U.S. sport pathways, athletes and parents may hold different motivations and expectations. The study emphasizes the need for culturally responsive, context-specific communication strategies in recruitment and retention efforts.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1495212
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:To gain an understanding of international student recruitment and retention in collegiate athletics, this study examines the motivations and decision-making processes of Chinese high school athletes and their parents in pursuing U.S. collegiate sport opportunities. Using the push-pull framework and an ecological perspective, it explores how individual aspirations, family priorities, institutional resources, and national policies shape transnational mobility. Semistructured focus group discussions with 10 athletes and eight parents revealed six key motivational themes and highlighted the influence of recent collegiate sport-related policy changes in China. The findings suggest that while both groups value U.S. sport pathways, athletes and parents may hold different motivations and expectations. The study emphasizes the need for culturally responsive, context-specific communication strategies in recruitment and retention efforts.
ISSN:2162-3104
2166-3750