335-349

• VanGorden, Kelly
• Cornelius, Allen E.
• Petitpas, Albert J.

The Play It Smart Program has an academic focus, an athletic audience, and animpact that spans well beyond the classroom and the athletic field. This study examined thereflections of Play It Smart graduates on how the program has affected their livesacademically, athletically, and socially. Qualitative data were collected from 1,361 studentathleteswho graduated from Play It Smart programs in the years 2003-2005. Responsesrevealed two major themes: student-athlete outcomes and social influences. Student-athleteoutcomes consisted of three sub-themes: (a) developing important life skills; (b)accomplishing new heights athletically, academically, and socially; and (c) learning life lessonsfrom participation in community service. Social influences consisted of: (a) the academiccoach, (b) recognition from others, and (c) team influences. Through the Play It SmartProgram, student-athletes felt that they gained the life skills to stay positive and perseverethrough the challenges that they may face beyond high school. These life skills were learnedthrough a positive mentoring relationship with their academic coach, whose role was to createa positive environment for self-exploration and a context for growth.

• Psychology
• Educational sciences

• Physical education and training
• Positive psychology
• Developmental psychology

at-risk youth, life skill development, transferable skills

Περιέχει σχήμα και βιβλιογραφία, Special issue: Life skills teaching in physical education and sport