Interest in teaching, coaching, and careers in education: A survey of university student-athletes

Abstract This study seeks to gauge the interest of university student-athletes in careers in academic teaching, athletic coaching, and related fields that involve working with children, adolescents, or young adults. Findings revealed a significant, positive relationship between student-athletes’ interest in coaching and their interest in educational careers as well as a significant difference between races on interest in coaching with Black/African American student-athletes having the highest interest in coaching. Findings suggest that interest in athletic coaching could lead student-athletes to consider teaching or other educational careers. Implications include opportunities for collaboration between teacher education programs and university athletic programs.