Date of Award

Fall 12-15-2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Executive Ed.D. in Education Leadership Management and Policy

Department

Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Advisor

Jason Burns, Ph.D.

Advisor

Jason Burns, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jennifer Timmer, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Walter Cmielewski, Ed.D

Keywords

Youth Sports Participation, Academic Achievement, Sense of Belonging, Middle School Students, Student Engagement, Extracurricular Activities

Abstract

This quantitative study explored the relationship between youth sports participation, academic achievement, and sense of belonging among middle school students. Using data from the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study of 2017–2018 (MGLS; National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2018), the research examined whether involvement in youth sports predicts outcomes in mathematics, reading, and students’ perceived connection to their school environment.

The findings challenged the extent to which Astin’s (1984) theory of student involvement generalizes to early adolescent populations. Although the theory proposes participation in structured activities supports both academic and social outcomes, results indicated stronger and more consistent associations between sports participation, particularly school-based programs, and students’ sense of student belonging, with more variable associations with academic performance depending on sport type and student background. This finding suggests although sports engagement may foster emotional and social development, its academic benefits appear to vary based on context and broader patterns of opportunity and access.

To better reflect the developmental needs of early adolescents, Astin’s (1984) student involvement theory may benefit from integration with models of adolescent motivation and belonging. Due to ongoing academic and emotional challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 global pandemic (Di Pietro, 2023), this study underscores the importance of expanding access to inclusive and developmentally appropriate extracurricular activities that support both achievement and connectedness.

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