Chinese athletes and parents’ motivations for U.S. Collegiate sports participation

Authors

  • Wenting Sun University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Russell D. Ravert University of Missouri-Columbia
  • Simran K. Sethi University of Kentucky

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/y5f5vd79

Keywords:

International Students, motivation, College Choice , International college athletes

Abstract

To gain an understanding of international student recruitment and retention in collegiate athletics, this study examines the motivations and decision-making processes of Chinese high school athletes and their parents in pursuing U.S. collegiate sport opportunities. Using the push–pull framework and an ecological perspective, it explores how individual aspirations, family priorities, institutional resources, and national policies shape transnational mobility. Semistructured focus group discussions with 10 athletes and eight parents revealed six key motivational themes and highlighted the influence of recent collegiate sport-related policy changes in China. The findings suggest that while both groups value U.S. sport pathways, athletes and parents may hold different motivations and expectations. 

Author Biographies

  • Wenting Sun, University of Missouri-Columbia

    WENTING SUN, MS, is a doctoral student in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at University of Missouri-Columbia in the U.S. Her research focuses on the well-being, adjustment, and thriving of international college athletes within the context of college athletic and academic environments. Email: ws4pq@umsystem.edu

  • Russell D. Ravert, University of Missouri-Columbia

    RUSSELL D. RAVERT, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at University of Missouri-Columbia in the U.S. His research focuses on attitudes, experiences, and behaviors related to health and psychological well-being during the years between adolescence and adulthood. Email: ravertr@missouri.edu

  • Simran K. Sethi, University of Kentucky

    SIMRAN K. SETHI, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Sport Leadership in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at University of Kentucky in the U.S. Her research focuses on equity, inclusion, and well-being of international college athletes, examining their career transitions, labor migration, and the impact of institutional and immigration policies. Email: simksethi@uky.edu

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Published

2026-01-15

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 1 (2026): Journal of International Students

Section

Research Articles (English, regular edition)

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How to Cite

Sun, W., Ravert, R. D., & Sethi, S. K. (2026). Chinese athletes and parents’ motivations for U.S. Collegiate sports participation. Journal of International Students, 16(1), 45-54. https://doi.org/10.32674/y5f5vd79