This research explores the motivations and individual experiences of powerlifters in the Philippines. The powerlifters’ motivation to continue and pursue the sport varies from one individual to another. And while there are anecdotal reports of individual experiences and motivation of powerlifters in the Philippines, there is a lack of existing literature that focuses on the specific themes and codes that determine what it is exactly that drives or motivates a Filipino powerlifter. Conducting an interview for a focus group of seven (7) male and female professional players in different weight classes, the study demonstrates the recurring themes or experiences that a Filipino powerlifter experiences in their daily athlete lives, illustrating the internal and external motivation that either keep them from burning out or discouraging them from continuing their desired sport of powerlifting. The data showed that there is a relationship between the individual’s unique circumstances and their attitude towards powerlifting. The participants in particular have shown that their ability to set goals, their performance and current capability, and the support from their family and peers, all becomes a factor for their motivation towards the sport of powerlifting, tying into the principles of the Self-determination theory (SDT). Furthermore, their relationship with the sport determines how strong their motivation is to pursue powerlifting and to improve themselves daily.

The purpose of this study is to find out the differences in motivation for sports participation between recruited and tryout student-athletes, highlighting how intrinsic and extrinsic factors influence their motivation to participate in their respective sports. Motivation is one of the main components that influence athlete performance, it is what drives them to practice and compete effectively. Understanding the factors that influence this is essential for creating an environment that prioritizes athletes’ well-being and personal growth. Utilizing the Self-Determination Theory by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan from 1985, this study will examine the distinction of the motivational dynamics of each group. This study uses a survey-based approach through the Sports Motivation Scale II (SMS-II) and Sport Commitment Questionnaire-2 (SCQ-2) to gather quantitative data from both groups. Responses were systematically analyzed and organized to identify trends and distinctions in motivational profiles. The findings show that tryout student-athletes showed a higher level of intrinsic motivation and are more likely to participate for their enjoyment and personal satisfaction. The data shows that levels of extrinsic motivation are the same for both groups, indicating that both groups are motivated by extrinsic motives. Sport commitment levels are also similar, indicating that the entry pathway does not affect sport commitment levels. The results of this study are expected to provide a deeper understanding of how coaches and sports institutions can improve how they address the individual motivational needs of these athlete groups. Essentially, this research strives for a better understanding of athlete motivation to improve athlete support systems and to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding psychological approaches to improving performance and engagement in collegiate sports.

The growth of women’s football in the country has made its continued development through time. The purpose of this study is to present an evaluation on female football players' perspectives on the role of high school strength and conditioning in their transition from high school football to collegiate level of football. This provided an analysis of the importance of equipping female football players with the proper structured strength and conditioning programs in high school as their physical preparation for higher level collegiate football. This study sought to understand the perspectives of transition experiences of three football players with different high school backgrounds. The study focused on understanding the players' transition experiences from high school to collegiate football. Through semi-structured interview and thematic analysis, the result showed that despite the differences of experiences and playing background, a common theme arose. The absence of strength and conditioning in high school football affected players' physical conditioning and confidence. Athletes had to absorb years worth of training in their freshman year just to keep up. The study suggests early introduction of S&C to youth training, not just to improve performance but to also make a player more prepared for collegiate football. S&C can bridge the gap between physical development and ensure that youth female players are equipped to successfully level up their athletic careers.

This study investigates the perception of body image in the context of weight-cutting among collegiate judo athletes, particularly by looking into the relationship between negative body image and behaviors associated with weight cutting. The study applied a mixed method to collect data through the modified Contextual Body Image Questionnaire for Athletes that measures scores for body image, weight-cutting methods, and psychological well-being. Correlational analysis is done to find out relationships for weight-cutting behaviors and psychological distress. Hypothesis tests are then used to analyze and examine differences of genders in body-image perceptions and psychological well-being. The qualitative phase of this research includes in-depth, semi-structured interviews with participants selected for this research stage, drawing out critical themes in perspective on athletes’ lived experiences and reasons for weight cutting and perceptions of body image. Findings of the study have significant correlations between negative body image and psychological distress, and it shows notable gender differences in scores for body image. The qualitative data enriches understanding by giving insight into the psychological impacts of weight management practices. This research adds to the current literature regarding athlete well-being and has practical implications for sports psychologists, coaches, and athletic programs about the importance of developing supportive environments that promote healthy weight management strategies and positive body image.

The role of a team captain is an admirable position to have as you become the face of the team. However, the position meets demands that could lead to stress specific to captains such as having the responsibility of becoming a strategist and player and being accountable for blame in cases of defeat. These team captains essentially handle three main responsibilities and these are namely, to act as a liaison between the coaching staff and team, a leader at all times during team activities, and a representative to team events especially when there is no coach present. Team captains bear expectations to fulfill important leadership functions and prioritize the team’s needs ahead of their own. The amount of stress and challenges team captains experience is far greater and is often overlooked because of the similarities to student-athletes in general. This study aims to identify the sources of stress and coping styles of collegiate varsity team captains and determine if there is a difference in the sources of stress between male and female varsity team captains. The participants were 40 collegiate varsity team captains from sports teams in a selected university that participate in the 15 sports of the UAAP. A survey was conducted through a questionnaire examining the perception of collegiate team captains of their stress and coping. The data gathered was analyzed using descriptive, cross-sectional methods through the use of frequency and percentage responses. An independent t-test was used to compare the sources of stress and coping styles between male and female team captains. The study can provide useful information to team captains and coaches as to what these unique stressors are among team captains and how they manage themselves. This can also provide an understanding of whether these stressors vary by gender. Varsity team captains can have better management of their stress and a practical view of importance to team captains can be established.