Caston “CB” is a freshman studying Sports Management and Media & Communication. He is also on the Men’s Lacrosse tea
Caston Christman|Courtesy
The concerns of student-athletes often go unheard in the college community. This can include concerns varying from different issues such as problems with their coaches, athletic directors, professors and the schools themselves. Problems have recently been starting to get notice across the country from athletes reaching out to social media with their stories. Student-athletes always get told to be grateful for what they get by being allowed to represent the school by playing the sport they love and are good at.
Student-athletes end up having to fit their schedules around varying practice times, which includes class schedule, times to eat and study. This leaves them very little time for their
mental health and relaxation. School dining options often don’t have flexible hours, like here at
Virginia Wesleyan, where the cafeteria closes at 7 p.m. This often leaves athletes rushing over
from night practice to get a nibble of food for 10 minutes. Other times it often leaves athletes
with the decision to make unhealthy choices such as getting fast food or something microwaved.
This problem doesn’t happen just on the lower scale schools and teams. It can be seen at
high level Division I teams and schools. This issue also occurs across all sports, both male and
female. When serious personal issues arise for student-athletes, schools prefer to sweep it under
the rug, especially when it involves a fellow athlete, where if they do punish them, they give the minimum suspension of one week.
By Caston Christman
