The problem that was addressed by this qualitative phenomenological study was that African American males who are student-athletes in high school are often not receiving adequate academic support from school counselors. This is an ongoing and relevant secondary education problem that needs to be addressed as many counselors are not adequately prepared to academically support African American high school male student athletes that aspire to play in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to explore the perceptions of high school counselors regarding their experiences with, and preparedness to, counsel African American male high school student athletes. The guiding theoretical framework of the study is based upon the critical race theory, social capital theory, and empowerment theory. This research was conducted using interview methodology with high school counselors with at least five years of experience academically supporting African American high school male student athletes. The interviews were conducted individually. Lack of resources from the district, overworked, basic to no knowledge of NCAA Eligibility Center, counselors spending little to no time with the student athletes specifically how high school counselors are not supported by the National Collegiate Athletic Association which affects the support that they give to African American high school male student athletes. Recommendations for practice for high school counselors academically supporting African American male high school students is providing counselors with NCAA resources specific to the student athletes they serve. Recommendations for future research include exploring NCAA representative support to high school counselors or increasing the sample size to investigate how high school counselors are supporting African American male high school athletes in other areas. [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://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]