Exploring the sports performance training of the college student-athletes amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: A qualitative inquiry

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences in sports performance training of college student-athletes during the pandemic in Higher Education Institutions in Davao del Norte. The study employed a qualitative research design, specifically phenomenology, and involved ten college student-athletes who had been active in individual, dual, and team sports for the previous three years. Semi-structured questions were employed during the interview. According to the study's findings, four distinct significant themes emerged; first is finite access which includes: limited sports equipment; struggles with limited sports facilities; and limited physical interaction and communication. Meanwhile, a degenerate spirit involves losing self-discipline, inactive lifestyle, and screen time temptations. On the other hand, a dearth of wellness includes loss of motivation, health issues, and fitness issues. Lastly, adaptive robust sports innovations include home sports workouts, modified sports training procedures, and improvised training equipment. A further study should be undertaken to examine student-athlete experiences from a different angle.