Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in the United States in early 2020, individuals have been motivated to protect themselves against the risk of the virus by the wearing of masks, social-distancing, and receiving vaccinations. This study utilizes Rogers' (1975) Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) to test motivations of collegiate student-athletes to protect themselves. The purpose of this study is to analyze motivations of college student-athletes to protect themselves against the COVID-19 virus. Using a sample of collegiate student-athletes in the United States, multiple regression analysis is used to show relationships between PMT variables, and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) shows potential differences among groups based on demographic information. Results of the study showed that the four constructs of PMT: perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, response efficacy, and self-efficacy all significantly predicted protection behavioral intention to protect against COVID-19. The construct of vaccination beliefs was not a significant predictor. Analysis also showed that there were no significant differences among demographic variables of: gender, type of sport played, scholarship status, NCAA division, and year in school in predicting protection behavioral intention. Results showed support for the PMT framework, and can be used to help collegiate administrators, coaches, and psychologists properly motivate student-athletes when dealing with a risk such as COVID-19. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]