Be Kind to College Athletes

Because of Penn State’s football losing streak, many students and fans have been overly harsh online. While the Yik Yak posts can fill your dorm or apartment with laughter, it’s important to remember that everyone is human, and college athletes deserve our respect.

The Nittany Lion In The Room

It’s no secret that Penn State’s football team has been struggling and will probably not make a comeback this season. From hopes of winning a national championship to uncertainties about the future of the athletic program, this season has proved to be frustrating for the Penn State football team and its fans.

The nature of college sports leads to hilarious and sometimes cruel social media posts. Typically, these posts are directed at rival teams, but recently, the focus of the negativity has been directed at Penn State athletes by Penn State fans.

Before James Franklin was fired, many students would “boo” him and some of the football players during starting lineup announcements at the beginning of games. Criticism and controversy isn’t a new concept, but it’s unreasonable for fans to expect the team to perform well when all of Beaver Stadium is rooting against them.

College Athletes And Mental Health

In 2023, The NCAA released a study revealing that “40% of head coaches felt mentally exhausted on a near-constant basis.” The same study also found that 55% of Division I coaches are very concerned about supporting student-athlete mental health.

Not only do coaches have to take care of their own mental health, they also have to worry about that of their players. Just like other Penn State students, student-athletes also have difficult classes, personal problems and financial situations.

A study published in the National Library of Medicine examined how social media impacts athletes. Although there are more opportunities for athletes to enhance their career using social media, it can also be a tremendous source of stress.

Not even professional athletes are immune to the pressure. A few years ago, Simone Biles decided to take a step back from the Olympics for her mental health, which caused her to receive even more hate and scrutiny. 

Fellow Students, Fickle Fans

When it comes to college athletes, it’s important to remember that before they are athletes or campus celebrities, they are humans first. Imagine that crazy night out, messy breakup or embarrassing mistake at work that you would love people to forget about. Now imagine the whole campus weighing in.

After the losing streak started, fans joked online about taking away some of the football team’s privileges like scooters and special facilities. Feeling the breeze of an electric scooter zooming past you while running late to an 8 a.m. class is an all-too-familiar experience.

However, instead of focusing on the benefits and amenities PSU athletes receive, students should be grateful their young and messy lives aren’t under a microscope.

Fickle fans have forgotten that we are a community. No matter where you are in the world, it’s customary to yell “WE ARE!” to someone wearing Penn State gear. Random conversations at tailgates can lead to unique opportunities and lifelong connections.

The conditional love for our fellow Nittany Lions weakens the strength of the Penn State community. So even when the headlines are full of negativity, keep your peers in your hearts. 

What are your favorite ways to support our athletes? Let us know @VALLEYMag on Instagram or X!

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