USA Sitting Volleyball Professional Athletes’ Perspectives on Transition Through Sport: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study
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Authors
Allen, Julie
Issue Date
2026-01
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
adaptive sport , para-athletes , Educational Leadership & Learning Lifelong , Workforce Development Needs & Industry Alignment
Alternative Title
Abstract
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This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of United States sitting volleyball para-athletes and retired para-athletes during the transition from professional sports to civilian life, addressing the lack of employment opportunities, career development support, and societal perceptions of disability. The purpose was to explore how para-athletes understood and navigated this transition through Schlossberg's transition theory (1981) and Stambulova's athletic (2003) career transition model. The study was based on three research questions: What are the lived experiences of transitioning from professional sports to retirement and the workforce (RQ1), how do individuals perceive and describe the opportunities encountered (RQ2), and what strategies are most supportive during the transition (RQ3). Using a phenomenological design and purposive sampling, fourteen para-athletes volunteered to participate in this study. National team coaches communicated via email about the study, then participants were selected through a snowball sampling approach. Data were collected through virtual, semi-structured interviews, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using transcendental phenomenological analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through protocols that included informed consent, confidentiality, member checking, and reflexive journaling. Three themes emerged: 1) an athlete’s paradox that struggles with transition and organizational gaps; 2) opportunities become practical when communication, mentorship, networking, and accommodations are met; and 3) proactive, thorough methods such as early career planning, certifications, benefits, and insurance orientation and mental health awareness. Participants shared concerns about the challenges of their transition, classification, logistics, and upkeep of their prosthesis. They emphasized the need for a well-structured aftercare period. Addressing the needs of para-athletes by providing career support and serving as a mentor can help the transition process. These findings highlighted the need for structured transition support that extends beyond years as an active professional athlete and addresses the realities para-athletes encounter during transition, retirement, and workforce entry. It is recommended that USA Sitting Volleyball implement a formal transition pathway throughout athletes’ careers that includes career planning, mentorship, mental health support, and employment networking.