As a former faculty student-athlete, I understand how transformative sports activities might be. My time enjoying Division III lacrosse at Wesleyan College formed my life nicely past the sphere. I’ve seen that very same influence within the folks round me—whether or not it was a good friend whose expertise enjoying rugby at a UK college expanded his world, or my brother’s path from faculty lacrosse within the U.S. to getting a graduate diploma enjoying at Durham College in England.
Sports activities train resilience, teamwork, and management expertise that final lengthy after the ultimate whistle. That perception is why we began SportsRecruits all these years in the past: to offer student-athletes the construction, instruments, and entry they should navigate the recruiting journey and discover the appropriate match.
Right now, as a part of IMG Academy, we’re pushing that imaginative and prescient additional by the #AddMoreAthletes marketing campaign. The message is straightforward: entry to sports activities shouldn’t be reserved for the few. The white paper from IMG Academy CEO Brent Richard and Drew Weatherford lays out a compelling case for why universities ought to add student-athletes and groups—not reduce them.
The advantages are clear:
- Financial sense – Including tuition-paying student-athletes might be worthwhile for universities, particularly when utilizing present amenities and infrastructure.
- Assembly demand – Thousands and thousands of highschool athletes need to compete in faculty, however there are far too few roster spots below the present mannequin.
- Academic worth – Sports activities aren’t “extra-curricular.” They’re a laboratory for creating essential life expertise like adaptability, management, and self-motivation.
- Stronger communities – Extra athletes imply extra faculty spirit, deeper alumni engagement, and a extra vibrant campus life.
This isn’t simply principle—it’s a name to motion. By rethinking outdated buildings and exploring fashions like “varsity-lite” JV groups, universities can broaden alternative, strengthen their economics, and serve extra college students.
I’ve had numerous conversations with leaders like Brent Richard, Chris Ciaccio, and Drew Weatherford concerning the collective influence we are able to have. Each time, I’m reminded that we’re simply getting began. I see the spark in my very own sons’ eyes once they’re out enjoying, and it’s a strong reminder of why this work issues.
Let’s maintain opening doorways. For extra athletes. For each athlete.
About Chris Meade
Christopher Meade is the Co-Founder and CEO of SportsRecruits. A former Division III lacrosse participant at Wesleyan College, his ardour for the life-changing influence of athletics was the driving power behind creating SportsRecruits and empowering student-athletes with the instruments and entry to efficiently navigate the recruiting course of.
