For my final post in this blog, I’d like to examine some actions that could be taken to better the negative challenges that college sports brings to students.
As many of you mentioned in the comments of my previous post, it is mostly unknown knowledge that the way American’s focus around sports and colleges is quite unique from the rest of the world. In my opinion, the first step towards bettering the system used in America, is to make people aware of the many challenges that college athletes are facing. Through posts like the ones on this blog, and many other articles, such as this one, or this one, the general public of America can begin to understand the rigorous, stressful lives that student-athletes often live. 
The next step that can be taken is for those who have the power (state officials, sports directors, etc.) to begin examining where the current system is lacking, and what changes can be made to improve the lives of the athletes. More steps should also be taken in the meantime to reduce the stress that many student-athletes face in trying to balance their education, as well as their sport. This blog post lists five things that student-athletes can do to help manage the stress of their lives. These include getting enough rest, managing their time, maintaining a positive attitude, planning recreational, enjoyable activities, and building a support system so that they have someone to turn to in times of need.
However, many student-athletes do not feel as though they have the time to keep up their grades, do well in their sports, AND still have time for things that are relaxing, or that they enjoy. Most do not even feel that they have enough time for the necessary things in their lives, such as their sport and their grades. Jasmine Harris wrote this article explaining how student-athletes already feel at a loss for time to complete their studies. She states that “On average, the players spend more than 25 hours on sports-related activities other than games, such as practice, workouts, general team meetings, film sessions and travel. On the other hand, the player spend less than eight hours on academics outside of class, such as writing papers, studying, getting tutored or working on group projects” (Harris). This is where the university should step in. The demand that athletes face in their sport is so high that they spend significantly less time on their academics. Universities need to feel a sense of urgency in changing the system so that student-athletes do not feel as though they have no more personal time in their lives.
Perhaps this change means that the entire way American college sports are conducted needs to be reworked, or maybe it would just involve lowering the credits that an athlete needs to graduate, or even lowering the amount of time that they are required to dedicate to their sport. Whatever it is that people think, something needs to change. It is generally unfair of the universities to expect student-athletes to perform well in their sport, but also in their academics. Changes must occur if student-athletes are expected to manage time that they are not even given.
If you are a student-athlete, I’m sorry for all the stress that the current system places on you. Take a break and breathe, and spread the news of how unfairly you are all forced to manage your time. If you are not a student-athlete, support your friends that are. Their lives are likely more challenging than you know. Also, spread the awareness to the University officials and sports directors. Inform them that the current system’s expectations are too high, and change needs to occur for stress to be lowered and to improve performance in all aspects of these student-athletes’ lives.
Sources:
Harris, Jasmine. “It’s Naive to Think College Athletes Have Time for School.” The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2018, theconversation.com/its-naive-to-think-college-athletes-have-time-for-school-100942.
Metrifit. “Effects of Stress on Academic and Athletic Performance.” Metrifit Ready to Perform, 15 Dec. 2020, metrifit.com/blog/effects-of-stress-on-academic-and-athletic-performance/?cn-reloaded=1.
N, Bill. “8 Solutions to Fix the NCAA and Improve College Football.” Bleacher Report, 26 July 2010, bleacherreport.com/articles/425064-8-solutions-to-fix-the-ncaa-and-improve-college-football.
Renkens, Jack. “5 Stress Management Tips for Student-Athletes.” Recruiting Realities, 25 Sept. 2012, www.recruitingrealities.com/blog/5-stress-management-tips-for-student-athletes.
Image links:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmetrifit.com%2Fblog%2Feffects-of-stress-on-academic-and-athletic-performance%2F&psig=AOvVaw1bQejCMknsZmN8Wl5A96pb&ust=1619121977845000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCLiEycWRkPACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedium.com%2F%40775bmp10%2Fstudent-athlete-stress-285249471964&psig=AOvVaw1bQejCMknsZmN8Wl5A96pb&ust=1619121977845000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCLiEycWRkPACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAJ
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrstankovich.com%2Fgood-stress-is-still-real-stress-for-athletes%2F&psig=AOvVaw1bQejCMknsZmN8Wl5A96pb&ust=1619121977845000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCLiEycWRkPACFQAAAAAdAAAAABAQ
I like that you included solutions in your final post– a very nice way to wrap everything up. I really liked your topic choice for this semester because it was unique, informative, and interesting. Good work!