Student-athletes have a unique responsibility, as they are faced with the challenge of excelling both academically and athletically. The shifting demands of their dual identities is known as identity salience (Lu et al., 2018; Yopyk & Prentice, 2005). The purpose of this research is to examine in depth the experiences of Canadian varsity elite athletes, in three phases; pre-pandemic, during pandemic and post-pandemic. Participants include varsity athletes from post-secondary institutions in Ontario who have retired from active competition, as such, it is a retrospective examination of how the pandemic impacted student athletes and the lessons that can be learned by institutions, coaches and families in order to better support student athletes. These revelations are critical to understanding how student athlete motivation, resilience and resource usage had an impact on both academic and athletic results. This student identity is key to unpacking how these varsity athletes can best be supported to maintain standards of excellence academically and athletically, especially during times of hardship. Results provide insights for coaches, family members, and institutional leaders related to program structure, support for student athletes, and creating innovative ways to support varsity players. Understanding how to best support all aspects of the student-athlete identity is essential for post-secondary institutions. Using validated theories such Self-Determination Theory (SDT) (Deci & Ryan, 1985) and the Resiliency Model (Galli & Vealy, 2008), this review aims to address the relevance of fostering resilience and motivation through the support provided to student-athletes. Identity (e.g., SafeSport), academic (e.g, Open Educational Resources), and athletic programming (e.g., training) will be considered. By examining the intersection of identity, motivation, and resilience, this research provides insights for educators, coaches, and administrators to create more inclusive and effective support systems.

Keywords: Student Athlete Pandemic Academic Sport Success.