. From the Athlete:
“If I had access to these resources, my journey might have looked very different. And that’s why I’m advocating for these changes—so that future athletes don’t have to face these challenges alone. To any high school athlete considering collegiate sports, my advice is simple: Don’t just chase the big names or conference titles. Ask questions. Talk to current and former athletes. Find out what the culture is really like, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a situation that isn’t right for you. Your well-being matters more than any title or ranking. I am grateful to be a part of AO’s Locker Room for Life so I never have to face adversity alone again.”
The athlete whom this case study is written on always believed that if you worked hard enough and kept the faith, things would work out. While he went through trials, his journey thus far in college athletics taught him a lot. His journey started as he competed at a high level on a Power Conference track and field team. However, his time at this school was cut short due to a lack of accountability, leaving him yearning for external support without the opportunity to receive any. His story is one that many athletes live through, and it’s a strong argument for why we need a players’ association to protect college athletes.
What Happened
Like many others, this athlete trained hard, set personal records, and pushed through the pain, all things expected of an athlete at a Power Conference school. However, the mental exhaustion that came from constant criticism was not expected. The criticism went beyond his performance as an athlete, often feeling personal. He was open about his faith, usually leading prayers and Bible studies with teammates. One moment, in a team meeting, it felt like an attack on the athlete’s fundamental beliefs when he was criticized for his religious beliefs.
Then came the injury. After pulling his hamstring, he felt completely isolated. His request for an MRI was denied. The prescribed strengthening exercises only worsened the injury, while the pressure to return to training increased. The coaching staff became distant, and the pressure to return to competing only led to more pain and frustration.
Moving Forward
Amidst all this, his faith was tested, but it was what carried them through. A turning point in this athlete’s collegiate career occurred after he attended a Christian camp for athletes. The experience, simply put, revived his spirit. That experience reminded him of the power of a positive environment and how essential it is for athletes to have access to spaces where they can rejuvenate how they need it most.
While on this journey, the athlete met a saxophone professor who became a mentor at his school. Music became a passion, leading to renewed purpose even when experiencing difficulty. He was proof that lessons learned through sports, especially discipline and perseverance, continue to serve him as he develops his musical talents. After taking care of himself as a person first, the athlete made the ultimate decision to transfer to another university.
How AO Can Help
This athlete acknowledged he desperately needed support beyond his immediate circle. What if he had access to an anonymous hotline to report the mistreatment and negligence he was experiencing? Or the ability to seek a free second medical opinion that could have helped him properly diagnose and treat his injury? These resources could have made a world of difference for him—and they are exactly the kinds of tools every athlete should have at their disposal.
He also recognized how critical it is for athletes to research and ask tough questions about potential schools. Choosing a school should be about finding an environment that will support you as a person, not just an athlete. Once at a school, many athletes remain silent, fearing that speaking up could cost them their careers. Athletes have always been rated and held accountable, so schools should be too. The Athletes’ School Rankings (ASR) allows athletes to honestly rate their schools. AO’s ASR ratings are submitted by athletes, for athletes—putting greater accountability on the institutions and helping players to make informed decisions, especially when committing or transferring.
Athletes deserve support, advocacy, and a voice. This athlete’s story is just one of many, but it highlights the need for a players’ association that can provide critical resources—whether it’s an anonymous hotline, free second medical opinions, or athlete-generated reviews of schools. We need to hold schools accountable and give athletes the tools to protect their health, their careers, and their well-being.
We Impact Athletes to Impact the World,
– AO Team
