Role Conflict of Chinese Student-Athletes: Distinct Challenges They Face and Implications for Collegiate Sport Administrators

The number of Chinese student-athletes (CSAs) at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) schools in the United States has increased dramatically in recent years. However, little is known about the distinct challenges CSAs face as they adopt the role of student and athlete, and the potential for role conflict to occur. This study explored the ways in which CSAs experienced role conflict and how they managed this conflict. Ten interviews were conducted with current or former CSAs at NCAA Division I schools. Findings revealed that CSAs experienced role conflict due to contrasting expectations from different stakeholders, the lack of academic preparedness, and unfamiliarity with the collegiate sport system. Meanwhile, CSAs managed their role conflict by realigning role expectations and shifting role identity. The findings demonstrate how role conflict can be applied to a cross-cultural context, while informing collegiate sport administrators of efforts to manage CSAs transition into the NCAA system.