What are social capital benefits in college sport?

• A. Individual athletic awards
• B. Temporary entertainment value
• C. Community identity, alumni connections, and networking opportunities for students
• D. Sole revenue generation

Answer: (C)

Social capital in college sport refers to the benefits that arise from the networks, relationships, and shared identity surrounding a team and its community—trust, collaboration, and access to resources that help students succeed. In this context, the best description of social capital benefits includes community identity (a sense of belonging and pride in the school), durable alumni connections (ongoing networks that can support mentorship, internships, and job opportunities), and broader networking opportunities for students across their college years and beyond. These elements collectively create social resources that students can draw on, not just immediate personal awards or short-term entertainment.

Individual athletic awards highlight personal achievement rather than the social web that supports and benefiting from college life. Temporary entertainment value focuses on the immediate enjoyment of games for fans, which doesn’t translate into lasting networks or community ties. Sole revenue generation centers on money, which misses the relational and supportive aspects that social capital provides to students.