“Small fish in a big pond”: A case study of college adjustment experiences of international student-athletes who identify as women

International Student-Athletes who identify as women (ISAWs) are coming to U.S. colleges in ever increasing numbers. Once on college campuses, they need to adjust academically, athletically, socially, and emotionally (Ridinger & Pastore, 2000). Additionally, ISAWs may have to adjust to a new language and culture, which can significantly impact their overall college adjustment (Mori, 2000). An important structure for ISAWs’ positive college adjustment is their athletic environment and the relationships they form with teammates, coaches and athletic academic coordinators. Past research indicates that these athletic stakeholders may be both a significant source of support during their college adjustment (Rodriquez, 2014), and also a cause of significant stress (Hanton et al. 2005; NCAA, 2016). Yet current research does not specifically describe how athletic relationships influence ISAWs’ college adjustment. The purpose of this study was twofold - 1) to describe how ISAWs experience college adjustment, and 2) to describe how athletic relationships with coaches, athletic academic coordinators, and domestic teammates influence various aspects of their college adjustment.