Demographics
The Institution: Krakus Community College
Location: Rockford, IL
Number of Students: 900
Number of Students-Athletes: 244
Number of Sports: 12 (football, basketball, tennis, swimming, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, baseball, wrestling, badminton, archery, gymnastics)
Level of Play:
- All sports are registered and supported by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
- The football team was selected three times in The College Football Playoff and won the College Football Playoff National Championship Trophy once.
- The women’s basketball team has been a member of the NCAA Division III (D-III) since 2010; was a D-II team and won the competition cup in 2002.
Presentation
Women’s sports have always been undervalued both ethically and in terms of funding. It is no secret that male-led sports like soccer and baseball catch more viewers and more income than the stereotypically feminine ones. This system is reflected in the psychological well-being of female students who strive to realize themselves in sports, or at least do it as a hobby. It has been noted that existing disparities in interest, scholarship distribution, and the existence of college programs are transforming women’s exercise priorities (Kane, 2017). In other words, students are forced to look for other ways of self-realization since sports are an impossible goal for them due to lack of funding, professional coaching, and college activities. The Krakus Community College Women’s Basketball Team must remain relevant and receive the necessary coverage by institutional funds, as it unlocks their potential and allows them to self-actualize in the desired direction.
Student sports scholarships show signs of gender inequality and stereotyped perception. The heightened interest in men’s sports, especially in football and basketball, makes it unmanageable to have equity in finance. Although college-level sports programs are available for men and women, their institutional support is fundamentally different. First of all, women’s sports are still going through a stage of acceptance and proliferation, as in some territories, soccer or baseball are still perceived as strictly male activities. The women’s program cannot be closed as it will further exacerbate the problem of psychological acceptance of diversity in sport. It is a global obstacle since discrimination, objectification, and stereotypical judgment prevent women from freely choosing their occupations. A similar trend is visible at the college level, although it conflicts with the well-known Title IX. Thus, the abandonment of the women’s basketball team is contrary to current legislation and further increases the ethical gender barrier in sports regardless of the institutional level.
College sports are one of the most significant sources of income for academic institutions. Financial planning for the next seasons is based on advertising revenue and partnership agreements, which are some of the attributes of modern sports. There are academic institutions that are known primarily for victorious soccer or basketball teams but not for students’ academic performance. Athletes generate income for the college and, at the same time, have the opportunity to pursue successful careers in the field. Despite the current global hardships due to pandemic restrictions, college sports are starting a resurgence. It has been noted that some major American universities have already begun planning the fall season in line with medical guidelines (Moody, 2020). Krakus Community College has profitable contracts with sports equipment suppliers and partnerships that ensure a stable financial flow. Consequently, the women’s basketball program closure is not beneficial for the institution in the long term, as the economic rebalancing will disrupt resource exchange between departments.
Krakus Community College Women’s Basketball Team has the merit that most student groups in the country lack. The fact that they won the D-II championship relatively recently makes this team successful, which does not correlate with the decision to abandon the program. Winning history shared merit, and the college’s positive reputation in the basketball community are enough reasons to continue funding the women’s team. It should be noted that institutional changes, namely the adaptation of the management and coaching staff to modern sports requirements, are acceptable and desirable for further progress. The argument that the recent results of the women’s team are unsatisfactory is accurate and valid. The coach and female students accept this and acknowledge that these difficulties result from inadequate preparation, motivation, and sporting spirit. Experience shows that the crisis period is a tipping point for the reincarnation of a previously successful team, which will become even more motivated and focused on progress in its division. Thus, abandoning the basketball program is a step that will thwart any efforts by female students to revive the Krakus Community College history.
The women’s basketball team was the college’s strong point fifteen years ago, making the institution recognized throughout the country. The crisis among athletes and the difficulties of leadership weakened the team but did not destroy the authentic spirit. College sports are profitable even in times of pandemics, which indicates the need for further championship planning. The closure of the program will further exacerbate the gender gap in society and education, as women athletes will be deprived of the opportunity to express themselves and achieve their desired goals. Therefore, Krakus Community College should continue to support female basketball players as it contributes to the sports community’s diversity and athletic development.
References
Gerstmann, E. (2019). Why gender equity in college sports is impossible (unless colleges do something radical). Forbes.
Kane, M. (2017). Progress and Inequality: Women’s Sports and the Gender Gap. Web.
Moody, J. (2020). What COVID-19 means for college sports, recruiting. U.S. News & World Report. Web.