Ben Shelton Got Better in College. Most Kids Just Want the Chance to Try.
For decades American universities did something unusual. They took young people who were not yet good enough and spent years making them better, and out of that came Olympians, national team members, coaches.
TL;DR
- American universities historically developed young athletes, but this is changing.
- International athletes now form a significant percentage of college sports rosters, particularly in tennis, basketball, soccer, and track.
- This trend reduces opportunities for American students who aspire to play college sports.
- The author questions the current purpose of college athletic programs and advocates for a solution to ensure domestic talent development.
- A potential federal cap on rosters is discussed as a possible measure if athletic organizations fail to act.