The Influence of Family Expectations on High School Basketball Athletes’ Commitment Across Different Ethnic Backgrounds

Abstract

This study examined how family expectations influence high school basketball athletes' commitment to their sport across different ethnic backgrounds. Previous research has shown that parental support and expectations can significantly affect young athletes' motivation and participation in sports. Using cross-sectional survey design, data was collected from 23 varsity basketball players at a public high school in Illinois. The survey measured athletes' perceived family expectations, levels of commitment to basketball, experiences with external pressure, and cultural backgrounds. Results indicated that most participants reported their parents prioritized academics over athletics and many also reported experiencing high levels of external pressure. Athletes whose families emphasized academics generally demonstrated lower levels of commitment to basketball. However, no clear relationship was found between cultural background and commitment levels. These findings suggest that family expectations, particularly academic priorities, may play a greater role in shaping athletic commitment than cultural identity alone. The study highlights the importance of balancing academic and athletic expectations to support student-athletes' motivation and long-term participation in sports. Future research with larger and more diverse samples is recommended to further explore these relationships.