Introduction: The concept of character is not new; however, many college sports programs focus not only on building winning teams, but also building strong character in athletes. For instance, not all college athletes get the chance to play professional; therefore, coaches strive to implement characteristics in their athletes to be successful on and off the field. Why is this prevalent? While it is true that the origin for this phenomenon lies in traditional beliefs that character trumps talent and strategy, more thorough analysis of the issue reveals that strong willed athletes are more likely to succeed in the real world. This is especially true when looking at college sports. It is an undeniable fact that, on average, college sports teach individuals to work hard and get rewarded. It is true that integrating character development into a program allows teams across all sports to work as a team and have common unity.
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Ultimately, the idea of building character in college sports not only helps the organization develop a strong culture, but also helps the student-athlete develop responsibility, time-management, daily routines, and succeeding at the little things. Definition: College athletics today have been called to be a competitive spectacle that provides a ‘win at all costs’ mentality. Unfortunately, “this compassion to win compromises an athlete’s character; it is important for athletes to not succumb to this way of life in college and preserve their character” (Brown 2017). In order to understand why character matters in college sports, an individual must look at the definition and why college coaches want their athletes to demonstrate strong character. Therefore, character is defined in two categories by many experts and that is social and moral. “Moral character is an individual’s ability to act independently of normative expectations” (Brown 2017). For example, an individual can display characteristics of being compassionate, fair, or honest. Also moral character speaks to an athlete’s personal value’s and self-worth. “Social character emphasizes sacrificing personal attributes for a more important cause” (Brown 2017). An example of this would be when an individual displays character in a way by putting in effort towards the team, sometimes going against their own personal beliefs or values. Also, the good of the team is greater than the individual’s self-worth. High School: Throughout an athlete’s high school career they develop a work ethic and become a more well-rounded individual. Out of all the high school athletes, a rare amount actually receives the opportunity to pursue a chance to become student athlete at the college level. In order to have the opportunity to play at the next level young student athletes work hard to develop a strong resume on and off the field of play. High school athletes that are working towards to play at the college level are usually the student-athletes that represent the school well. Meaning the student-athlete demonstrates great character either during a competition or in the classroom. For example, my high school’s motto was to always be ready, respectable, responsible and safe. Even though that motto does not state to demonstrate character, it required me to be a great citizen and show strong sportsmanship. “Every day recruits are judged on their ability to not only be a good student and athlete but also on what happens outside the classroom or on the field” (Lancaster 2011). Each high school has a different motto that they preach not only to their student-athletes, but to all students. Even if some athletes are not planning on pursuing a chance at college athletics, they still get to develop characteristics of strong character by being a part of a team. RUNNINGHEAD: CHARACTER WITHIN COLLEGE SPORTS Many high school athletes that want that chance to earn a scholarship or even a chance at the next level think that by performing well on the field is the only thing college coaches look at. While participating in high school sports I thought the same until entering my junior year. I was given the chance to attend a Junior Day at the University of Iowa for the football program. I thought I was given this
Ultimately, the idea of building character in college sports not only helps the organization develop a strong culture, but also helps the student-athlete develop responsibility, time-management, daily routines, and succeeding at the little things. Definition: College athletics today have been called to be a competitive spectacle that provides a ‘win at all costs’ mentality. Unfortunately, “this compassion to win compromises an athlete’s character; it is important for athletes to not succumb to this way of life in college and preserve their character” (Brown 2017). In order to understand why character matters in college sports, an individual must look at the definition and why college coaches want their athletes to demonstrate strong character. Therefore, character is defined in two categories by many experts and that is social and moral. “Moral character is an individual’s ability to act independently of normative expectations” (Brown 2017). For example, an individual can display characteristics of being compassionate, fair, or honest. Also moral character speaks to an athlete’s personal value’s and self-worth. “Social character emphasizes sacrificing personal attributes for a more important cause” (Brown 2017). An example of this would be when an individual displays character in a way by putting in effort towards the team, sometimes going against their own personal beliefs or values. Also, the good of the team is greater than the individual’s self-worth. High School: Throughout an athlete’s high school career they develop a work ethic and become a more well-rounded individual. Out of all the high school athletes, a rare amount actually receives the opportunity to pursue a chance to become student athlete at the college level. In order to have the opportunity to play at the next level young student athletes work hard to develop a strong resume on and off the field of play. High school athletes that are working towards to play at the college level are usually the student-athletes that represent the school well. Meaning the student-athlete demonstrates great character either during a competition or in the classroom. For example, my high school’s motto was to always be ready, respectable, responsible and safe. Even though that motto does not state to demonstrate character, it required me to be a great citizen and show strong sportsmanship. “Every day recruits are judged on their ability to not only be a good student and athlete but also on what happens outside the classroom or on the field” (Lancaster 2011). Each high school has a different motto that they preach not only to their student-athletes, but to all students. Even if some athletes are not planning on pursuing a chance at college athletics, they still get to develop characteristics of strong character by being a part of a team. RUNNINGHEAD: CHARACTER WITHIN COLLEGE SPORTS Many high school athletes that want that chance to earn a scholarship or even a chance at the next level think that by performing well on the field is the only thing college coaches look at. While participating in high school sports I thought the same until entering my junior year. I was given the chance to attend a Junior Day at the University of Iowa for the football program. I thought I was given this