Attending a liberal arts university allows for students to have a richer environment. Northwestern is an amazing example of providing students with great resources from having a 15:1 student-faculty ratio to providing many opportunities for students.
NW and other liberal arts colleges help students continue their athletic careers. Students at a liberal arts college can benefit greatly when participating in athletics by having a built-in community.
At a liberal arts university, the education is challenging and adding a sport can add stress to the student’s life. However, sports can also allow them to escape their everyday stresses and worries.
Athletes can take a break from life’s difficulties to participate in something they love, surrounded by people who share their love and passion for the sport. “We are playing for one another, and we learn how to work together to bring unity to the same goal we all want,” one athlete at NWC said.
Being part of a sports team creates a built-in community which provides great benefits. The community helps students balance college life and the added stress involved in participating in sports.
Some of the students’ teammates can be in the same classes or at least the same major. Teammates can give advice about classes or teachers they share. The community provided to student-athletes provides support and advice.
The coach-player relationship can be a saving grace for students by having someone there for them no matter what.
This involves being able to meet one-on-one with each of their athletes to form a relationship with each of them. At NW, the coaches are not only there for them athletically and academically but also spiritually. Having a person in your corner while you are far away from home can greatly benefit the student.
Being a part of a team also keeps athletes accountable for their grades and getting their homework done. The athlete’s coaches hold them to a higher standard to keep up on their academics.
When one teammate is struggling with their academics it effects the whole team. Everybody’s academics matter to the whole team so everyone will be there for each other to help each other.
