Why We Do What We Do

The NCAA seems to be more about money than opportunity. I'm well aware that opportunity comes from money but the business model is broken. There is waste is some sports and dire need in others. If it is about opportunity then change needs to happen.
========================================
Why We Play: It's not about getting a scholarship, getting drafted, or
making SportsCenter. It's a deep need in us that comes from the heart.
We need to practice, to play, to lift, to hustle, to sweat. We do it all
for our teammates and for the student in our calculus class that we don't
even know. We don't practice with a future major league first baseman; we
...practice with a future sports agent. We don't life weights with a future
Olympic wrestler; we lift with a future doctor. We don't run with a
future Wimbledon champion; we run with a future CEO. It's a bigger part
of us than our friends and family can understand. Sometimes we play for
2,000 fans; sometimes 25. But we still play hard. You cheer for us
because you know us. You know more than just our names. Like all of you,
we are students first. We don't sign autographs. But we do sign graduate
school applications, MCAT exams, and student body petitions. When we miss
a kick or strike out, we don't let down an entire state. We only let down
our teammates, coaches, and fans. But the hurt is still the same. We
train hard, lift, throw, run, kick, tackle, shoot, dribble, and lift some
more, and in the morning we go to class. And in that class we are nothing
more than students. It's about pride--in ourselves, in our school. It's
about our love and passion for the game. And when it's over, when we walk
off that court or field for the last time, our hearts crumble. Those
tears are real. But deep down inside, we are very proud of ourselves. We
will forever be what few can claim... college athletes. -Author unknown