Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Department

Humanities

First Advisor

Buyssens, Ryan

Area of Concentration

Liberal Arts

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of digital storytelling in shaping athlete identity, institutional branding, and social interaction within college athletics. Through the analysis of social media content, personal experience as both a student-athlete and athletic media intern, and research on digital culture and sports media, this study explores how athletic programs construct public identity through online platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and live-streaming media. Drawing from theories of identity performance, visibility, and networked communication, the thesis argues that digital storytelling functions not only as a promotional tool but also as a cultural practice that influences belonging, representation, and team dynamics. By comparing lived athletic experiences across multiple collegiate programs with their online representations, this research highlights the gap between curated digital narratives and the realities of team culture. Survey findings and reflective analysis further demonstrate how visibility, authenticity, and audience perception affect student-athletes both individually and collectively. Ultimately, this thesis argues that digital media actively shapes modern athletic culture by influencing how athletes, teams, and institutions are represented and understood within networked environments.

Rights

The author has granted New College of Florida the nonexclusive right to archive, make accessible, and distribute for educational purposes this work in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. The copyright of this work remains with the author.

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