Because of TV shows and movies, the public sees varsity players as “jocks” who are both arrogant and spoiled. The stigma pop culture has placed on varsity players is one of entitlement, one that sends a very wrong message.
People who don’t know any better believe varsity athletes get to do what they want, when they want. However, for varsity athletes who are serious about the sport and what they have, this cannot be any farther from the truth.
Most varsity athletes sacrifice more than most students because they have goals in mind, goals that include holding the scholarship, staying on the team, and impressing scouts. Those three goals alone create a schedule of living for varsity athletes that is more hectic than anyone else’s.
Not only do varsity players need to excel in their sport to keep the scholarship and stay on the team, but they also need to hit a required grade point average. Because of this, the life of a varsity player revolves around training and studying. Friends and family take a back seat. Socializing can be done when training is finished, and school work is dusted.
And during athletic seasons, student-athletes have to rest their bodies, which means even less time to do the leisurely things that most students do.
What do you think of varsity athletes now?
Hi there! My name is Ryan Shephard, a student at the University of Michigan. Since I was young, I’ve always wanted to work in the sports industry. While I can play sports like basketball, football, baseball, and soccer, I think I am better suited for athletic training. To know more about athletic trainers, visit this blog.
Ryan Shephard 