Collegiate Athletics Spotlight: Addressing the Needs of Student-Athletes

The 2024 football season has reached its conference championship schedule, bringing a national spotlight to collegiate athletics this weekend. With over 520,000 students participating in college sports, a recent study in the Journal of Sport Psychology in Action highlighted the unique challenges and demands faced by college student-athletes. In response, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) released a report emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the mental health needs of student-athletes.

However, there is a distinction that some colleges and universities fail to acknowledge between competitive student-athletes and performing student-athletes. While competitive student-athletes receive focus and benefits from the NCAA, performing student-athletes in areas such as dance, cheerleading, and fine arts often do not receive the same level of support.

Some institutions, like Vassar and Ithaca College, have started offering course credit for college students who are competitive athletes, aligning with the idea that these students should have academic recognition for their dedication to sports. This move could potentially ease academic barriers towards graduation for student-athletes across various disciplines.

In terms of resources, there is a disparity between competitive student-athletes and performing student-athletes. While the former have access to sports nutrition, strength and conditioning coaches, and athletic trainers, performing student-athletes often lack similar support. In cases of injury, competitive student-athletes have their treatment expenses covered by the university, whereas performing student-athletes may need to rely on their own resources for healthcare.

Mental health functioning is also a key area of concern, with competitive student-athletes receiving specific support services such as sports psychologists and counselors. However, performing student-athletes are not always provided with the same level of mental health resources tailored to their needs.

Academic support programs for competitive student-athletes are common in many colleges and universities, offering services like study lounges, tutors, and early class registration. UNC’s academic support program for competitive student-athletes exemplifies this tailored approach. Yet, performing student-athletes with similar demands and travel schedules do not always receive the same level of academic support.

UNC’s campaign “Artists are Athletes/Athletes are Artists” highlights the need for equal resources and support for all college students who are athletes, whether competitive or performing. By recognizing and addressing the unique needs of performing student-athletes, colleges and universities can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all student-athletes.