Date of Graduation

Spring 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology

Committee Chairperson

Selen Razon, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kenneth Clark, PhD

Committee Member

Margaret Ottley, PhD

Abstract

The flow state, first defined by Csikszentmihalyi (1990) as a state of total absorption in an activity characterized by effortless control, heightened focus, and peak functioning, has been well-documented in sport but has received limited attention in the context of college football. This study examined the flow state experiences of varsity football players at West Chester University, including their awareness of the concept, the frequency and subjective nature of their experiences, the strategies they use to reach this state, and their perceptions of its relationship to team success. A researcher-developed survey was administered to team members during the offseason, yielding a final sample of 22 eligible participants. Results indicated that while prior formal knowledge of the flow state was mixed, all 22 participants (100%) reported being able to recall a specific flow experience, and 95% believed they perform best while in this state. The majority of participants (59%) reported experiencing flow only a few times per season, and only 27% reported using deliberate strategies to access it, despite 86% expressing interest in learning how to do so. Qualitative responses revealed cognitive, physical, and performance-related experiences consistent with established flow characteristics. Findings suggest that flow is a common and meaningful part of competition for college football players, yet is accessed inconsistently and largely unintentionally. These results point to practical opportunities for sport psychology education and coaching intervention, and highlight the need for further research into flow-based training in football and other stop-and-start sports.

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