The effect of varsity athletics on midshipman performance

Abstract

This study will examine the statistical effects of varsity athletics on Naval Academy Midshipman performance. Academic performance averages, military performance averages, conduct grade, and honor violation are analyzed with respect to Midshipmen participating in varsity athletics versus non-varsity athletics. Using hierarchical regression analysis, the expectation is that varsity athletes make up the upper-echelon of the Brigade of Midshipmen than non-varsity athletes. In the analysis however, no statistical significance is discovered with respect to varsity athletics, and that, consequently, varsity athletes perform to the same degree as non-varsity athletes. The results further outline the need for better prediction measures of Midshipman Performance.