In physical education classes all learning that occurs does not fall under the carefully planned and structured lessons presented by teachers ( Kirk, 1992 ). Physical education and athletics are inextricably related by teachers who often serve as coaches of athletic teams. These teacher/coaches often unconsciously transmit values from the athletic realm to physical education classes. This unplanned and unrecognized transmission of values and beliefs is known as the ' hidden curriculum ' ( Fernandez-Balboa, 1993, p. 233 ). Often entrenched in this hidden curriculum are race-based stereotypes that provide students with distorted perceptions of physical abilities based on race. This qualitative study seeks to examine this phenomenon from the European American perspective. European American former and present athletes were interviewed regarding their sports experiences and views. Results indicate that European American athletes in this study appeared to be steered away from developing lofty athletic aspirations. This appears to be a consequence of strong race-sport stereotypes.