MOJ
eISSN: 2574-9935
Submit manuscript...
Research Article Volume 9 Issue 2
How NCAA division I student-athletes conceptualize environmental sustainability
B Nalani Butler, Sarah Stokowski
Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, Kennesaw State University, USA
Professor, Athletic Leadership, Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development, Clemson University, USA
Received: June 01, 2026 | Published: July 10, 2026
Citation: Butler BN, Stokowski S. How NCAA division I student-athletes conceptualize environmental sustainability.MOJ Sports Med. 2026;9(2):61‒67. DOI: 10.15406/mojsm.2026.9.00201
Abstract
Environmental sustainability has become an increasingly
important priority within sport organizations, yet little is known about how
student-athletes conceptualize environmental sustainability or perceive their
role in promoting environmentally responsible practices. Guided by Social
Learning Theory, this qualitative study explored how NCAA Division I
student-athletes understand environmental sustainability. Semi-structured
interviews were conducted with 13 student-athletes at a Group of Five
institution, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three overarching
themes emerged: (a) student-athletes initially conceptualized sustainability
through athletic identity rather than environmental stewardship, (b)
sustainability was primarily understood through everyday behaviors reinforced
through athletic culture, and (c) participants recognized their potential to
promote environmental sustainability while identifying barriers to meaningful
engagement. Findings suggest that student-athletes often participate in
environmentally responsible behaviors despite possessing limited environmental
literacy. This study extends the sport sustainability literature by
demonstrating that the success of sustainability initiatives depends not only
on organizational commitment, but also on intentionally developing
environmental literacy among student-athletes.
Keywords: college athletics, environmental sustainability, environmental literacy, student-athletes, Social Learning Theory
©2026 Butler, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.