Research has readily demonstrated that sport – from community-based recreation to high school sport to collegiate athletics – can be an engaging and meaningful context that has the ability to promote live skill development (Camiré, 2014; Newman, 2020). However, a study by Kendellen and Camire (2015) demonstrated that sport participants not only experienced positive outcomes (i.e., acquiring new life skills, practicing and refining existing life skills), but also suffered from numerous examples of negative experiences (i.e., aggression, stress, negative interactions with coaches, and prioritizing sport over school). Whether by providing teachable moments or unique autobiographical experiences, research believes negative experiences have great potential to promote positive outcomes for youth (Newman et al., 2021). From a risk and resiliency perspective (Anthony et al., 2009; Fraser et al., 1999; Hawkins et al., 2016), the current study examines the relationship between student athlete’s negative experiences and life skill development, and whether or not the possession of resilience can help mitigate the impact of sport risks. A total of 87 UNH students who participated in university sport clubs completed an online survey. Results from a series of hierarchical moderation analyses indicated that lacking coach support hindered student athletes’ development of life skills, while the athletic identity positively predicted life skill development. Ultimately, the current study supports a continued focus on improving life-skill related coach training and the development of a balanced athletic identity, which would furthermore benefit the positive development of all youth.
