The roar of the crowd, the sting of defeat, the thrill of victory – I lived it all as a Division I volleyball player. Years on the courts at Wisconsin and Kansas State taught me the fundamental truth of athletics: fairness isn’t just a nice idea, it’s the bedrock of the game. Without consistent rules, without impartial enforcement, the integrity of competition crumbles.
That same principle must govern the evolving landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for student-athletes. The initial expansion of NIL was a long-overdue recognition of their rights, finally allowing young athletes to benefit from their talents. However, the rollout has been anything but smooth, creating a chaotic system riddled with uncertainty.
Currently, a web of lawsuits, conflicting state laws, and institutions aggressively seeking competitive advantages define the NIL environment. This isn’t fairness; it’s a regulatory nightmare impacting over half a million student-athletes who dedicate themselves to their sports each year. The lack of clear boundaries threatens the very foundation of collegiate athletics.
My concern is particularly acute for non-revenue sports. Programs like the one I played – women’s volleyball – are often the first to feel the pinch of budget cuts when financial pressures mount. These programs aren’t just about athletics; they represent the diversity of college sports and are vital in preparing athletes for international competition.
Consider the 2024 U.S. Olympic women’s indoor volleyball team: every single player was a recent college athlete. These are the athletes who embody dedication and represent our nation on the world stage, yet their programs are increasingly vulnerable in this unstable environment.
Waiting for courts, state legislatures, or individual institutions to solve these problems is a futile exercise. Only Congress possesses the authority to establish the uniformity, stability, and fairness that student-athletes deserve. The commissioners of Divisions I, II, and III – representing schools of all sizes – have recently echoed this call to action.
The growing momentum behind the SCORE Act offers a promising path forward. This bill proposes enforceable national standards that would level the playing field while safeguarding the core educational mission of college sports. Crucially, it includes provisions to protect women’s and Olympic sports, alongside investments in athlete healthcare and well-being.
I went to Kansas State with a singular focus: to earn a degree and excel athletically. The idea of student-athletes becoming employees of their schools – a concept gaining traction – is deeply concerning. It fundamentally alters the relationship between athletes and coaches, shifting it from mentorship and development to a more transactional dynamic.
Congress recognizes the value of college sports as a uniquely American institution, one that fosters essential civic values like teamwork and dedication. But recognition without action is meaningless. Every day of delay risks further erosion of key programs, dwindling athletic scholarships, and diminished opportunities for aspiring student-athletes.
College sports thrive when fair competition and academic opportunity coexist in balance. The SCORE Act is designed to restore that balance, ensuring a future where student-athletes can pursue their dreams both on and off the field. As we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, strengthening institutions that prepare the next generation of American leaders is paramount.
Restoring the original mission of college athletics – and delivering federal NIL reform – isn’t just about sports; it’s about investing in the future of our country and upholding the principles of fairness and opportunity for all.
