Posted on March 27th, 2025

The CKA SAVE Project, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to empowering student-athletes, today announced the launch of three independent research studies aimed at investigating the evolving dynamics of collegiate athletics. Led by Dr. Keith Adams, Founder and President of the CKA SAVE Project, these studies will delve into critical areas impacting student-athletes today, including:

• Student-Athlete Motivation in the Evolving Landscape of College Athletics: This study will build upon Dr. Adams' previous research, "Finding the Balance Between Academic and Sport Motivation: A Study of NCAA Division I Student-Athletes," which identified a statistically significant relationship between academic and sport intrinsic motivation among student-athletes. The current study will examine how factors such as NIL opportunities, the Transfer Portal, and the post-pandemic environment are impacting student-athlete motivation, both academically and athletically.
  
  
• Student-Athletes' Perspectives on Collective Bargaining: This study will explore student-athlete perspectives on collective bargaining, including their views on employment status, compensation, and the potential impact of collective bargaining on their rights and well-being within the collegiate athletics system.
  
  
• Coaching in the Era of NIL and the Transfer Portal: This study will investigate the perspectives and experiences of coaches on the evolving landscape of college athletics, including the impact of NIL, the Transfer Portal, and other factors on their coaching philosophies, recruitment strategies, and overall approach to coaching student-athletes.

"These research studies are crucial for understanding the evolving needs and experiences of today's student-athletes," said Dr. Keith Adams, Founder and President of the CKA SAVE Project. "By conducting in-depth research on these critical issues, we can gain valuable insights that will inform best practices for supporting student-athletes and improving the overall collegiate athletic experience."

The CKA SAVE Project invites student-athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders to participate in these important research studies. For more information and to participate, please visit the CKA SAVE Project website at www.ckasaveproject.org and click the contact tab.

About the CKA SAVE Project

The CKA SAVE Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering student-athletes through education and professional development.

Founded by Dr. Keith Adams, the CKA SAVE Project provides a range of services, including academic and athletic consulting, mentorship programs, and educational resources to help student-athletes achieve their full potential.

For interviews, media requests, or additional information, please contact: Dr. Keith Adams President, CKA SAVE Project at [email protected] .