I think one of the most common stigmas put on college athletes is that they have everything set for them- classes, meals, exercise, etc. In reality, athletes need to eat enough to fuel their body throughout the day, manage homework and class, and also maintain a healthy social life. Athletes need to do all of these things and still be able to perform at their best physical ability. It’s a lot
I think that one common stigma put on college athletes is the amount of things that they benefit from. Many talk about the esteemed weight rooms, trainers, class-times, and class excusals that athletes have access to. However, some of the non-athletes do not understand that most are on a time crunch to do things. Between running to the west side of campus from the east side to get to your 1230 lift but you only have 15 minutes to eat lunch and then have to run to another class after that has an exam, most athletes are tired and do not check in on themselves. Yes they may have the better weight rooms and better food and class times, but they are stretching themselves so thin that they can barely catch a breath. It sometimes feels as if they are suffocating.
Another is being expected to push through every challenge, due to “mental toughness”. It blurs the line healthy perseverance and devaluing one’s own struggles.
I think a common stigma is the amount of athletes that struggle with eating disorders. There is such a high percentage of athletes that is struggling silently and they need to be more aware of the people they can open up to.
I agree eating disorders are so bad in athletes bc you need to eat enough to fuel your body but then people who don’t play sports are next to you eating salads
A stigma I see is that classmates don’t think student athletes are as serious about their academics, and only care about their athletics. Being a student athlete makes you care even more about academics because you have to uphold a good reputation and have a stronger drive to be successful.
can we talk about how a huge majority of us HAVE to play and perform well in order to be able to receive an education in the first place? on top of the stigma that we get everything handed to us (meal plans, weight training, even a lil special treatment sometimes) nobody talks about how draining it is to feel like you need to be on your A-Game all the time in order to maintain your scholarship. Without scholarships i’d be willing to bet a majority of athletes would not be at their respective schools, its simply too expensive. Having to maintain “team-standard” grades while also putting 100% into your sport to keep your place really forces us to push aside taking care of ourselves and our mental health. Might be a hot take, just speaking from experience here though!
I was just thinking about this yesterday... not to be dramatic but it feels like we sign our soul away because we don't have the freedom to "just quit". That's not an option for the majority of us because without the scholarship that comes with the sport, we lose our only way to afford an education. Feels like a lose-lose because for many, you have to choose between your health and being able to get a degree.
I think a common stigma among athletes is that they are expected to do everything with a positive mindset while putting their emotions to the side. I think sometimes people forget athletes have emotions and their performance can affect the way they carry themself. It is okay to not be okay and I think outsiders need to recognize this more in athletes. It is crucial to their development and success. Athletes aren’t just athletes, they are human!
A stigma I often find that forms around college athletes is the idea of perfection. Although perfection may be a bit optimistic of a word, we are expected to perform day in and day out within the weight room, gym, classroom, and even socially; despite the potential of just having a bad day. Our emotions are often left on the side as the idea of being “perfect” is constantly pushed throughout so many sectors and hours of our daily life. Our ability to feel, cope, and perform are all effected by the constant standards we are held to.
I think one of the most common stigmas put on college athletes is that they have everything set for them- classes, meals, exercise, etc. In reality, athletes need to eat enough to fuel their body throughout the day, manage homework and class, and also maintain a healthy social life. Athletes need to do all of these things and still be able to perform at their best physical ability. It’s a lot
ReplyDeleteI think that one common stigma put on college athletes is the amount of things that they benefit from. Many talk about the esteemed weight rooms, trainers, class-times, and class excusals that athletes have access to. However, some of the non-athletes do not understand that most are on a time crunch to do things. Between running to the west side of campus from the east side to get to your 1230 lift but you only have 15 minutes to eat lunch and then have to run to another class after that has an exam, most athletes are tired and do not check in on themselves. Yes they may have the better weight rooms and better food and class times, but they are stretching themselves so thin that they can barely catch a breath. It sometimes feels as if they are suffocating.
ReplyDeleteAnother is being expected to push through every challenge, due to “mental toughness”. It blurs the line healthy perseverance and devaluing one’s own struggles.
ReplyDeleteI think a common stigma is the amount of athletes that struggle with eating disorders. There is such a high percentage of athletes that is struggling silently and they need to be more aware of the people they can open up to.
ReplyDeleteI agree eating disorders are so bad in athletes bc you need to eat enough to fuel your body but then people who don’t play sports are next to you eating salads
DeleteA stigma I see is that classmates don’t think student athletes are as serious about their academics, and only care about their athletics. Being a student athlete makes you care even more about academics because you have to uphold a good reputation and have a stronger drive to be successful.
ReplyDeletecan we talk about how a huge majority of us HAVE to play and perform well in order to be able to receive an education in the first place? on top of the stigma that we get everything handed to us (meal plans, weight training, even a lil special treatment sometimes) nobody talks about how draining it is to feel like you need to be on your A-Game all the time in order to maintain your scholarship. Without scholarships i’d be willing to bet a majority of athletes would not be at their respective schools, its simply too expensive. Having to maintain “team-standard” grades while also putting 100% into your sport to keep your place really forces us to push aside taking care of ourselves and our mental health. Might be a hot take, just speaking from experience here though!
ReplyDeleteYes I agree with this 1000%!!
DeleteI was just thinking about this yesterday... not to be dramatic but it feels like we sign our soul away because we don't have the freedom to "just quit". That's not an option for the majority of us because without the scholarship that comes with the sport, we lose our only way to afford an education. Feels like a lose-lose because for many, you have to choose between your health and being able to get a degree.
DeleteI think a common stigma among athletes is that they are expected to do everything with a positive mindset while putting their emotions to the side. I think sometimes people forget athletes have emotions and their performance can affect the way they carry themself. It is okay to not be okay and I think outsiders need to recognize this more in athletes. It is crucial to their development and success. Athletes aren’t just athletes, they are human!
DeleteA stigma I often find that forms around college athletes is the idea of perfection. Although perfection may be a bit optimistic of a word, we are expected to perform day in and day out within the weight room, gym, classroom, and even socially; despite the potential of just having a bad day. Our emotions are often left on the side as the idea of being “perfect” is constantly pushed throughout so many sectors and hours of our daily life. Our ability to feel, cope, and perform are all effected by the constant standards we are held to.
ReplyDelete