As a former college student-athlete, I know how transformative sports can be. My time playing Division III lacrosse at Wesleyan University shaped my life well beyond the field. I’ve seen that same impact in the people around me—whether it was a friend whose experience playing rugby at a UK university expanded his world, or my brother’s path from college lacrosse in the U.S. to getting a graduate degree playing at Durham University in England.
Sports teach resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills that last long after the final whistle. That belief is why we started SportsRecruits all those years ago: to give student-athletes the structure, tools, and access they need to navigate the recruiting journey and find the right fit.
Today, as part of IMG Academy, we’re pushing that vision further through the #AddMoreAthletes campaign. The message is simple: access to sports shouldn’t be reserved for the few. The white paper from IMG Academy CEO Brent Richard and Drew Weatherford lays out a compelling case for why universities should add student-athletes and teams—not cut them.
The benefits are clear:
- Economic sense – Adding tuition-paying student-athletes can be profitable for universities, especially when using existing facilities and infrastructure.
- Meeting demand – Millions of high school athletes want to compete in college, but there are far too few roster spots under the current model.
- Educational value – Sports aren’t “extra-curricular.” They’re a laboratory for developing critical life skills like adaptability, leadership, and self-motivation.
- Stronger communities – More athletes mean more school spirit, deeper alumni engagement, and a more vibrant campus life.
This isn’t just theory—it’s a call to action. By rethinking outdated structures and exploring models like “varsity-lite” JV teams, universities can expand opportunity, strengthen their economics, and serve more students.
I’ve had countless conversations with leaders like Brent Richard, Chris Ciaccio, and Drew Weatherford about the collective impact we can have. Every time, I’m reminded that we’re just getting started. I see the spark in my own sons’ eyes when they’re out playing, and it’s a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
Let’s keep opening doors. For more athletes. For every athlete.
About Chris Meade
Christopher Meade is the Co-Founder and CEO of SportsRecruits. A former Division III lacrosse player at Wesleyan University, his passion for the life-changing impact of athletics was the driving force behind creating SportsRecruits and empowering student-athletes with the tools and access to successfully navigate the recruiting process.
