How Did the Pandemic Affect College Sports and Students?

Abstract

The pandemic greatly affected college athletics, which caused student-athletes to withdraw, face financial hardships, and have mental health issues. Colleges and universities, however, put in place a number of strategies to deal with these difficulties and help their students and athletes. Universities and colleges utilized a variety of health and safety precautions to slow the spread of the virus. Some of these were regular testing, mandated quarantines, travel prohibitions, and caps on the number of attendees at athletic events. There were setbacks to the practicing and training schedules of student-athletes. Maintaining their skill and fitness levels was challenging for athletes since many institutions shuttered their sporting facilities and instituted social isolation policies. Colleges and universities had financial difficulties as a result of the cancellation of sporting events. The entire budget of the sports department was greatly impacted by the considerable decline in revenue from ticket sales, broadcast deals, and sponsorships. Many student-athletes had to find new methods to manage their academic and athletic duties as a result of the transition to remote learning. Many had to adjust to remote training or make do with a lack of facilities and equipment. They may experience frustration and stress as a result of this change to their routine. Due to the limitations enforced by the outbreak, many student-athletes were separated from their teammates and coaches. Feelings of isolation and despair might result from this lack of social interaction.