Date Approved
5-28-2026
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-Higher Education (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
Education Leadership & Counseling
First Advisor
Paul Bylsma
Second Advisor
Karyn Rabourn
Academic Year
2025/2026
Abstract
There are hundreds of thousands of collegiate student-athletes competing in organized sports in the NCAA. Research shows the different resources that are available to them during their time competing, as well as how sports can open different opportunities for them during their competitive years. However, once this is over, an individual may realize they spent their time becoming an athlete and not enough time on their holistic well-being and professional development due to time constraints, identity engulfment, etc. While institutions do well in nurturing students during their competitive years, they lack in considering the retirement of these student-athletes. This project's components and research on student-athletes' career development and well-being were grounded in Nancy Schlossberg's Transition Theory. The workshop series aims to obtain initial data on how we can holistically support student-athletes and optimize the program from there. This project seeks to help equip student-athletes with the tools for smoother and more successful experiences in their life after athletics.
ScholarWorks Citation
Giuliano, Vincent R., "The Importance of Career and Retirement Services for Student Athletes" (2026). Masters Projects. 697.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/697
