Column Idea

Division I athletes should be given some compensation whether it be money or financial help with meals for the services they do for the universities and the NCAA.

Being a college athlete has been an amazing experience so far. It has taught me many life lessons so far that no other activity could have. Being Division II there are almost no full ride scholarships given out. I am fortunate enough to have a job and to have a scholarship that helps pay for my school as well as parents that guide me and help me make smart decisions with loans and my money. Sports take up a good majority of my time and leave very little time for other things. This is only Division II as well. I’m lucky and have a good financial situation, but many others don’t. This is much more of an issue in Division I.

If a Division I athlete gets a scholarship it has to be a full ride or no money at all. These athletes are under an intense microscope. They are constantly being demanded by coaches and their universities. A tight schedule of workouts, classes, practices, studies, and personal life leaves no time for a job or much else. Many of these athletes go to bed hungry because they have no money for meals because of no time for work.