Football vs. Gold Medals
College sports aren’t just about campus pride; they’re one of the strongest pipelines to the Olympic podium. But with new athlete payments reshaping budgets, dozens of Division I Olympic sport programs have already been cut. This post explains why these changes could impact Team USA for years to come, and why we need a new model.
The Next Era of College Sports
College sports are changing faster than ever, and it’s leaving a lot of people—athletes, families, even school administrators—scrambling to keep up. NIL, direct athlete payments, and massive legal settlements have created new financial realities that affect every sport on campus. The problem is, not every sport is living in the same reality. Power 4 football and basketball operate in one world, while Olympic and non-revenue sports live in another. In this post, we break down why treating them the same is causing trouble—and how a “One for the Few, One for the Many” model could protect opportunities for every type of athlete.
Sports Analytics Degrees for Future GMs
This fall, UNC Charlotte becomes one of just a handful of universities in the country to offer a full Bachelor’s degree in Sports Analytics. It’s the first of its kind in the Southeast, and a clear sign that the future of sports will be driven by students who can combine a deep understanding of athletics with advanced skills in data science. For counselors advising student-athletes with front-office ambitions, this new program is worth paying attention to.
How to Become a GM
For high school and college athletes who dream of working in a pro sports front office, it’s one of the most common—and complicated—questions. The GM chair is one of the most visible and prestigious roles in sports, and it attracts students who want to stay close to the game they love. But the path to get there isn’t as glamorous as the job title. This article breaks down the real-world data from current GMs across the NFL, NBA, and MLB and offers clear, practical advice for students who want to follow in their footsteps.
Can I Be an Engineer and an Athlete?
Can I Be an Engineer and an Athlete?
It’s one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions in the recruiting process. The short answer: yes, but it’s extremely difficult. This article profiles a mechanical engineering major and D1 swimmer at UC Berkeley, to show just how challenging the path can be.
From inflexible class schedules and cross-country travel to limited academic support, her experience highlights what it really takes to succeed in both worlds. The article also explores why some student-athletes may thrive more at Division III STEM-focused schools, where academic support is stronger and travel demands are lighter.
Judge Approves $2.8 Billion NCAA Settlement — But Big Questions Remain
In a major development for college sports, Judge Claudia Wilken has approved the $2.8 billion House v. NCAA settlement, opening the door for future revenue-sharing with student-athletes. While the decision is a win for athletes seeking backpay, it also raises major legal and policy questions—especially about the NCAA’s power and how college sports might change in the future.
This article breaks down what the settlement means, what issues are still unresolved, and what counselors and student-athletes should watch for next.