Coaching Belonging: An Athletics Approach to Supporting Black Males at Community Colleges

Abstract

My 12 years of experience as an Athletic Director at two community colleges has given me a terrific perspective regarding supporting Black Male Students at Community Colleges. I firmly believe in the mission of community colleges and their work in enhancing local economies and providing accessible opportunities for higher education. Furthermore, my dissertation focused on what supports and hinders Black and Latinx students at these community colleges. My professional experiences and research taught me that Athletics is the perfect model for supporting Black males at Community Colleges. Not always, but athletics is a space where Black males feel comfortable, have thrived, and they can see the relevance from their participation or even being a fan.

Three themes stand out from working with Black males: Sense of Belonging, Lack of Support, and Lack of Orientation. Each theme will be addressed in this chapter titled Coaching Belonging, showing how athletics can positively impact academic success and well-being for Black males. To be successful in sports as an individual and team, athletes often feel positive levels of belonging and receive more than adequate support and orientation. Coaches are adept at creating cultures of success that include these themes. This chapter, Coaching Belonging, will provide a brief guide to some practical steps to create an environment focused on belonging, success, and accountability through the lens of athletics. All of these can lead to success (winning).