Voluntary early retirement from sport: the lived experiences of former NCAA DIII student-athletes

Intercollegiate athletics offer amateur athletes an approximately four-year window to pursue their athletic careers (Hodges & Darvin, 2022). While many athletes complete their full eligibility, some choose to retire early (Zvosec & Bass, 2022). At the NCAA Division III level, motivations for early retirement remain unclear, and the experiences of former student-athletes are often overlooked (Zvosec & Bass, 2022; Hodges & Darvin, 2022). Despite DIVISION III's large athlete population, research seldom delves into their experiences. This study aims to explore why former Division III athletes voluntarily leave their sport. Transitioning out of collegiate sports poses significant challenges, affecting athletes' identities, career goals, and well-being. The Theory of Work Adjustment (TWA) offers a framework for understanding this transition (Hesketh & Griffin, 2005). TWA emphasizes aligning individual skills, values, and environmental requirements, providing insights into how athletes experience this phenomenon (Camire et al., 2012). Semi-structured interviews with 15 early retirees revealed factors influencing their decision, including controlling coaching behavior, a win-at-all-costs culture, lack of support, and burnout. This study sheds light on the DIVISION III student-athlete experience, informing coaches, administrators, and institutions.