Table 2.

Thematic analysis.

Raw data	Lower order themes	Higher order themes
Inspiring training facilities Opportunity to train like a pro Insight into the demands of pro sport	High performance support systems (90%)	Constructs of talent development environments (100%)
No slip in standards Optimizing individual potential High performance behaviors	Expectations of professionalism (100%)
A focus on the minority Favoritism clearly apparent Not the right “fit” for the club	Elitist philosophy (100%)
“Show me you care” Lack of coach-athlete relationship Atomistic support	Impersonal approach to development (100%)
Make or break approach to performance Lack of pressure recognition from coaches	Pressure to perform (90%)
A focus on winning Need to satisfy coach expectations Lifelong engagement in sport as a low priority	External focus of motivation (50%)
Accept failure courageously Hard work as a non-negotiable Desire to prove people wrong	Determination to be successful (70%)	Psychobehavioral skills for future success (100%)
A matter of choice Ability to weigh up all the options Ambition to be the best I can be	Willingness to make sacrifices (80%)
Taking responsibility for one's schedule Managing the balance between sport and academia Personal consideration for overall well-being Structure as a necessity	Time management skills (100%)
Clarity in communication Open and honest interactions Consistency of expectation in communication	Effective communication (80%)
Ability to integrate into a range of social settings Optimizing the dynamics of the team Contributing to mutualistic relationships	Social awareness and maturity (100%)
Owning the goal setting process Knowledge of what it takes to succeed	Goal setting (90%)
Belief in one's ability Focus on expressing myself through sport Willingness to take a risk	Confidence to back myself (70%)
Enjoyment of playing sport Internal focus of motivation	Personal satisfaction (90%)
Establishing the right work ethic Making a purposeful contribution to the team Owning the decision-making process	Accountability for one's development (100%)	Personal responsibility for future development (100%)
Making the most of every opportunity Investing in personal development Doing the extras High expectations of one's self	Commitment to be the best you can be (90%)
Desire to achieve a personal goal Freedom of choice to define what success looks like	Intrinsic motivation to succeed (90%)
Significant others who believed in me Significant others who helped me Importance of establishing a diverse support network	Support mechanisms to fulfill potential (100%)
Learning takes time and effort “Shoulda, woulda, coulda” Critical self-analysis of areas for improvement	Self-reflection (100%)