The op-ed emphasizes that 21 of Team USA’s 2024 Olympic teams had at least 80 percent of their athletes with collegiate backgrounds, and 15 teams were comprised entirely of current or former NCAA student-athletes, including Field Hockey. This success underscores the unique and essential role that the U.S. collegiate sports system plays in nurturing Olympic talent—a role unmatched anywhere else in the world.
However, these programs are under threat with recent and evolving cases against the NCAA. The NFHCA, along with the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA), College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA), Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA), and U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), is calling on Congress to take immediate action to protect the future of Olympic sports at the collegiate level.
In the article, grave concern over proposals that could recast college athletes in Olympic sports as employees is expressed, which would introduce financial pressures that could negatively impact these programs. The potential for budget cuts or the complete elimination of Olympic sports programs at institutions could dismantle the pipeline that has historically led to American excellence on the global stage.
The NFHCA, in coordination with the other associations, is planning a trip to Capitol Hill later this fall to advocate for the preservation of college sports. The goal is to meet with lawmakers to discuss the vital importance of maintaining collegiate sports programs and the far-reaching consequences that could result from neglecting this issue.
“We cannot afford to lose sight of the educational and athletic opportunities that collegiate sports provide to thousands of students across the country,” said Cate Clark, Executive Director at NFHCA. “These programs not only produce Olympians but also contribute significantly to the holistic development of student-athletes. It is imperative that Congress recognizes the need to protect these opportunities for future generations.”
The full op-ed, “Without Action From Congress, Team USA’s Dominance is at Risk,” is available to read here.
The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is a nonprofit organization serving field hockey coaches and supporters of the game from across the United States. The mission of the organization is to champion, strengthen, and celebrate field hockey coaches and the game. The NFHCA strives to cultivate and recognize the professional contributions of its membership and to foster and promote the growth of the sport. The NFHCA is responsible for providing a recognizable presence and voice in regard to legislation affecting the sport as well as interscholastic and intercollegiate programs.