Motivation and basic needs satisfaction of Norwegian Nordic skiers attending NCAA division 1 schools as student-athletes

Abstract

Background: Every year, Norwegian junior skiers travel to the United States to pursue athletic careers in combination with higher education as student-athletes at U.S. colleges. Yet, there is very little information on the phenomenon within the skiing community. This study was conducted to gain insight into college athletics through the actual experiences of Norwegian studentathletes in hopes of better assisting future talents as they explore this opportunity.

Objective: The aim of the study was to better understand (1) the phenomenon of collegiate athletics and why Norwegian skiers are motivated to pursue careers as student-athletes at U.S. colleges, and (2) how these student athletes (SAs) perceived their basic needs of autonomy, competence and relatedness to have been satisfied during their time as student-athletes.

Method: The phenomenon of collegiate athletics and why Norwegians are pursuing it was studied through a literature study and through semi-structured qualitative in-depth interviews with eight Norwegian SAs on Nordic skiing scholarships at American colleges. The Self-Determination Theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 1985) was the theoretical inspiration for this study.