The Talent Factory: A Study of Grit, Mindset, and Student-Athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study and examine the phenomenon of scholarship student-athletes that participate in men and women sports at Mercer University and how they become successful handling the balance of time commitments between reaching their academic and athletic collegiate goals. This research took an in-depth look at how the non-cognitive traits known as grit—defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals—and a growth mindset—defined as the view that one’s most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work to reach their academic and athletic goals. This research focused specifically on how these traits are major components that many highly successful student-athletes have in common and quite often are being developed as a direct result of having to overcome the challenging obstacles of juggling academic and athletic commitments along their path to success. The research as also revealed that these components can be parts of the valuable predictors of the future success of student-athletes at Mercer University. Success is measured by looking at the nine mental skills variables that athletes must possess to be successful on the field of play, and the five factors of career versus sport that determines success for student-athletes off the field of play. This research took an in-depth look at the role that grit, and growth mindset played regarding each variable and factor independently and collectively to give some insight into how each non-cognitive behavior can and does play in role in the success of student-athletes.