I write this petition as a mother and a witness to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on young athletes' lives. My daughter graduated high school in 2021 amid the worst global health crisis in over a century. It was a year where typical high school experiences, especially for athletes, were dramatically cut short. She played only 8 games in her senior year. What should have been her moment to shine and gain exposure was reduced to a blip in an already turbulent year.

Post high school, she joined a JUCO and faced stiff competition from athletes who had been granted an extra Covid year. Athletes who played the year before her were allowed a 5th year, a privilege she could not enjoy despite being just as affected or even more by the circumstances. That begs the question: is the athletic eligibility system skewed? And more importantly, can we make it more equitable?

As it stands, completing a four-year degree whilst playing a sport for scholarships can be a formidable task. The intense training schedules, academic demands, and the additional impact of Covid-19 make for a testing environment. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only about 41% of full-time college students earn a bachelor's degree in four years. And this percentage decreases for student-athletes who have to balance rigorous athletic and academic schedules.

Given these findings, I urge NAIA to reevaluate their eligibility rules. Extending athletic eligibility to five years can provide an extra cushion for student-athletes, ensuring they have a fair chance not only at their sport, but also at their academics. This is not about extending privilege, but about leveling the field for all student-athletes.

Sign this petition to ensure that NAIA consider our plea, and potentially help countless student-athletes realize their dreams in a balanced, fair manner.