“I Feel Completely Present”: College Athletes’ Perceptions of Yoga for Physical and Mental Performance

College athletes face significant physical and mental challenges as they balance rigorous training schedules, academic responsibilities, and personal commitments. The demands of collegiate athletics often contribute to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and an increased risk of injury. Yoga has been increasingly recognized as a holistic practice that supports both physical and mental well-being, particularly in high-performance athletes. However, limited research has explored how college-athletes perceive the benefits of yoga. Informed by Mindfulness-to-Meaning Theory (MMT) and using semi-structured interview method, this study explored NCAA Division I college athletes’ perceptions of yoga. Using purposeful and convenience sampling, 14 college athletes participated in the study. The data revealed two overarching themes: mental well-being and performance enhancement. Mental well-being included mindfulness, stress reduction, and personal time, while performance enhancement was associated with mobility, flexibility, and injury prevention. The participants reported that yoga helped them stay present, manage stress, and recover mentally and physically, contributing to their overall athletic performance and well-being. The findings from this study contribute to the growing body of literature on mindfulness-based interventions in sport. The results suggest that collegiate athletic programs should consider incorporating yoga as part of structured training and wellness programs to support college athletes’ mental and physical health.

Keywords: College Athletics, Yoga, Mindfulness, Stress Reduction, Athletic Performance.