Community colleges have historically faced significant challenges in retaining students, particularly from underserved populations. While extracurricular activities like athletics have been shown to enhance student engagement and persistence, the specific impact of athletic participation on retention and sense of belonging among diverse student groups has remained understudied. This mixed-methods study addressed this gap by examining the influence of sports participation on sense of belonging and retention among white and Black male students. A survey was administered to collect quantitative data on reported levels of belonging and semester-to-semester persistence among male student-athletes across racial identities. The data provided comparative insights into how athletic involvement influenced retention for these groups. Additionally, follow-up focus groups were conducted to explore the athletes' perceptions of how their participation in sports affected their overall college experience, motivation, and academic persistence. By analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data, the study offered a more comprehensive understanding of how athletic participation impacts white and Black male athletes differently, particularly in the context of community colleges. The findings contributed valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by these students and underscored the importance of designing inclusive support systems that foster a sense of belonging and encourage persistence across diverse student populations. Ultimately, this research aimed to inform community colleges on how to tailor their athletic programs to improve retention outcomes for male student-athletes, with a particular focus on Black male students who often experience lower retention rates. [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.]