Is excellence inclusive? The benefits of fostering Black female college athlete's sense of belonging

Abstract

The purpose of this research note is to urge intercollegiate athletic departments and their administrators to foster a sense of belonging amongst Black female college athletes to aid in their felt membership as a college athlete and support their development as viable employment candidates in college sport. Black female college athletes’ graduation rates are on the rise; however, these being hired at dismal rates in college sport. By fostering a sense of belonging, Black female college athletes as a historically marginalized group are able to feel a sense of connectedness in the athletics and greater university environment; athletic departments commit to major organizational change that values diversity and inclusion; and through its commitment, a culture of inclusive excellence is felt by all students, faculty, staff and athletic administrators and coaches. Keywords: Black female college athletes, college sport, intercollegiate athletics, sense of belonging, diversity and inclusion, inclusive excellence