Hometown Heroes? Does Proximity To One's Home Affect Performance in Ontario University Athletics?

Every year, university coaches seek to recruit ‘talented’ athletes to add to their rosters with the aim of improving their team. Some coaches take considerable strides to recruit the best athletes from across their region, province and/or across the country. Among many issues to consider, recruited athletes must decide whether to attend schools of closer or farther proximity from their hometown. This study considered whether proximity, defined as the geographic distance between an institution and an individual’s hometown, influences Ontario student-athletes’ university selection and whether this variable influences team and/or individual performance. Data from the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) were collected between 2009 and 2013 (1764 female athletes and 1873 male athletes). Results indicated that athletes were more likely to attend universities greater than 80km from home. However, athletes who attended local universities were more successful and teams comprised of local athletes were more successful as well.