Examining the Sociocultural Experiences of Cherokee Nation Citizens in Athletic Competition and Sport

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the sociocultural experiences of Cherokee adults in athletic competition and sport. Specifically, following a qualitative design, fifteen participants were interviewed about their personal experiences in athletic competition and sport while growing up in rural Oklahoma. Interviews were open-ended and followed a semistructured script of questions with additional probes. Once completed, the recorded interviews were transcribed and data were analyzed. The data revealed six axial codes and three selective codes. Cherokee culture, psychosocial identity, and athletic competition were the three major selective codes discovered in this study. Qualitative analyses revealed that participants have lived in an environment that is conducive for athletic growth, cultural awareness, and social exploration. The family, schools, and communities offer simple, yet stable surroundings. Athletic and social identities are formed at early ages and are fostered by the close knit Cherokee culture. ©2016 by Michael D. Merrie All Rights Reserved ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge the numerous individuals who have guided and helped me throughout my academic pursuits. This dissertation would not have happened if it weren’t for these wonderful people. Dr. Cathy Lirgg served as my advisor, committee member, dissertation chair, lead faculty researcher, counselor, chief editor, and mentor. I appreciate your honesty, intelligence, and nononsense approach to teaching and research. I am forever grateful for your leadership and support throughout my time at the University of Arkansas. To Dr. Dean Gorman. I have gained invaluable experience under your presence. Thank you for giving me a chance. Thank you to Dr. Paul Calleja. You have taught me so much. I have learned how to be a professional educator and a wonderful person. I truly thank you for all that you’ve done for me. Dr. Mary Ramey, your friendship has been the most important factor since meeting you three years ago. Not only are you a great friend you were my qualitative guru and the leadership you provided throughout my dissertation was amazing. Thank you cannot be said enough. You are an amazing person. I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Amanda Sullivan, Dr. Jack Kern, and Dr. Justin Nolan at the University of Arkansas. Thank you all for making my time at Arkansas a truly meaningful experience. To all my fellow doctoral students and graduate assistants, thank you for the many laughs in the 219. I have gained numerous friends from this experience, thank you: David, John, Page, Bo, Kelly, Mary, Matt, Sasha, Nick, Win, and Amanda. I would also like to thank Dr. Cole Shewmake. You got me through the first two years of our program. You pushed me beyond my limits and provided a support system for me. I am proud to call you my colleague and friend. I would like to thank my family as well, specifically my beautiful, intelligent, and talented wife, Bobbi. Your love and support has been the best. I love you, Camden, and our little guy that is still growing. DEDICATION To Bobbi, Camden, and our future baby boy. Without you this would not have happened. I love you more than anything.