Athletic departments at the high school and college level should have more funding due to the success student athletes show during and after schooling. Firstly, athletic departments should get extra funding solely from the effort and time that coaches and student athletes invest in their specific field. On average, student athletes spend "15-18 hours a week in high school, and up to 40 hours a week in college"(Robinson) training and practicing for their sport; however this does not included competitions which for some high school sports, would place these hours in the twenties. For high school student athletes, this is almost an extra half-day of schooling time dedicated to their sport. This proven dedication shows how the athletes have earned extra funding for their programs.
Student athletes show their desire for success not only on the field or track, but in the classroom as well. Over the past decade, student athletes have seen a "12% increase"(Gorman) in their GPAs. Along with this increase in GPA average, more non-student athletes have begun to play school sponsored sports. Since 2009, there has been a "10% increase in participation amongst high schoolers"(Gorman). For the women specifically, being a student athlete can increase the odds of graduating college by "41%"(Gorman). This drive for success and determination to reach their goals shows how an increase in funding could reach out to even more students and help them reach success in life after school. Also to accommodate for the increase is student participation, an increase in funding is greatly needed for extra supplies and transportation of the athletes.
Student athletes in college have also seen an increase in their academic performance. This can be related to the rigorous training regiments that many collegiate athletes go through every day. For example, collegiate rowers wake up on average at 5:00 to make their 6:00 practices.
