Myra Carlson– Staff Writer  

What are college sports really about? Is simply the experience of being a college athlete cutting it anymore? Is playing the sport you love a privilege or a job? Are athletes in it for the game or a paycheck? These are some questions that frequently come up when discussing collegiate sports. It is inevitable that the world of college sports continues to evolve; however, but recent changes are forever altering the landscape of college athletics. The future of college athletes seems to be more focused on dollar signs rather than achieving something as great as a team. 

On March 5, Dartmouth’s men’s basketball team voted to form a union. The 13-2 vote made history, making them the first time a college sports team has formed a union. Student athletes forming a union changes their status from members of the team to employees of the school. 

 Becoming more than just a number on a roster to a paid university employee would change the way athletes are treated on campus.  The notion of amateurism is turned upside down by hourly pay, possible changes in team transportation, and other employee standards. This ‘special treatment’ could also have effects on the rest of campus and stir up questions on why other groups are not receiving the same benefits.  

“The notion that college athletes are employees that deserve to have a seat at the table insinuates that they are professionals,” Dordt’s Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Jacki Smith said. “It eliminates the spirit of amateurism that college athletics is all about.”  

There are many financial opportunities that colleges and universities already offer their student athletes. Many student athletes receive scholarships, and some athletes receive additional funding to help cover the cost of practice gear and training equipment. 

“Scholarship athletes are receiving a benefit already,” Smith said. “The college is providing an opportunity for them.”  

“For me personally, I am not a fan of unionizing considering Dartmouth Men’s basketball team. If athletes want to be paid, then what is the point of handing out scholarships? “said Ty VanEssen, a sophomore basketball player. 

With the rise of NIL deals, it is no shock that more and more athletes expect payment for their involvement on a college team. Through paid sponsorships and growing an online following, many athletes earn an income monetizing their personal brands. For athletes that do not have as much of a social media presence as others, it can be hard to reach the same financial milestones. As for athletes who are in sports that do not get as much media coverage, this compensation process is even more difficult.  

“I think to this point, now with NIL, it has an impact,” Dordt Men’s Varsity Basketball Coach Brian Van Haaften said. “The coaches that fight it aren’t doing very well – we have to be flexible.”  

The passion and love of sports is something that many people can relate to. Athletes spend their whole lives preparing for the moment they get to step out on the court, field, or track wearing their dream team’s colors. College athletics are special because of the athletes that compete, and their stories leading them to this point. It is inspiring to watch athletes achieve their dreams because they want to, not because they have to. Is money motivation or a distraction? Are athletes more excited to win a national championship or to lock in a sponsorship deal?