Racing Between Deadlines and Finish Lines: A Phenomenological Inquiry into Student-Athletes' Academic and Athletic Experiences

Abstract

Student-athletes frequently encounter difficulties in balancing academic responsibilities and athletic commitments; however, limited qualitative research has examined how they navigate these dual demands within local higher education contexts. This study explored the experiences of student-athletes in managing academic and athletic responsibilities at South East Asian Institute of Technology, Inc. (SEAIT) during the School Year 2025–2026. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the study involved ten purposively selected student-athletes who participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and meanings embedded in their experiences. Findings revealed that student-athletes continuously negotiated overlapping academic and athletic roles marked by time constraints, shifting priorities, and pressure to perform effectively in both domains. Participants described highly structured routines that often resulted in physical exhaustion, limited personal time, and emotional stress. Major challenges included conflicts between class schedules and training sessions or competitions, missed academic activities, and difficulties maintaining academic performance. Despite these challenges, participants demonstrated resilience through adaptive coping mechanisms, including effective time management, self-discipline, emotional regulation, and reliance on support from peers, family members, coaches, and selected teachers. The study further revealed inconsistencies in institutional support, particularly regarding schedule flexibility, coordination between academic and athletic programs, and timely financial assistance. As a result, many student-athletes depended more heavily on informal support systems to sustain their dual roles. The findings highlight the importance of developing coordinated, responsive, and student-centered support mechanisms that promote the academic success, well-being, and holistic development of student-athletes in higher education institutions.