Student-athletes put countless hours into the teams they represent. We practice, compete, build relationships with our teammates and coaches, and work year after year to improve. When an athlete has already become part of a school team, that team can become an important part of their high school experience.

I experienced this personally. I worked hard for the opportunity to join my team and represent my school. Once I was given that opportunity, I dedicated myself to improving, helping my teammates, and contributing wherever I was needed. Now, as I approach my final high school season, I am facing the possibility of not being able to finish my high school career with the same team I started with.

That made me realize this issue should not be about only one athlete or one team. Student-athletes who have already represented a team should have a fair opportunity to remain with that program through graduation, as long as they continue to meet academic, behavioral, eligibility, and team requirements.

This does not mean athletes should be guaranteed roster spots, starting positions, or playing time. Coaches should still be able to evaluate athletes and make decisions based on performance, effort, attendance, conduct, and the needs of the team. What we are asking for is the opportunity to continue competing for a place on the team we have already represented.

Being told to move to another program can mean leaving behind teammates, coaches, relationships, and years of development. For seniors especially, there may be no future high school season to come back to. Once that final season is gone, it is gone.

We are asking school administrators and athletic officials to create a clear and consistent policy that allows eligible student-athletes who have already represented a school team to continue with that program through the remainder of their high school careers, provided they continue meeting the established requirements.

This petition is bigger than one athlete. It is about giving student-athletes a fair opportunity to finish what they started.

Please sign this petition if you believe student-athletes who have committed themselves to a team deserve the opportunity to continue representing that team through graduation.