An Exploration of Factors that Influence Post-Varsity Sport Participation: The Case of Former Ontario University Athletic (OUA) volleyball players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore factors that predict post-varsity sport-participation among a sample of former OUA volleyball players. Specifically, this thesis explored relationships among the facets if enduring involvement (i.e., attraction, centrality, social bonding, identity affirmation, identity expression), quality of sport experience, amount of time since leaving the team, and post-varsity participatory behaviors. A total of 90 male and female former OUA volleyball players were asked about their current participatory behaviour, perceived quality of varsity experience, and enduring involvement. Results suggested that the more time that passed since participating in varsity volleyball, the less frequently former athletes reported participating in the sport. Moreover, the more former varsity athletes felt attached to the sport and felt their participation was central to their lifestyle, the more frequently they reported participating in the sport. Interestingly, however, the more former athletes perceived their current participation as on opportunity to reinforce their identity as a “volleyball player,” the less frequently they reported participating in the sport. Implications for practice, theory, and suggestions for future research as also discussed.