Playing lacrosse at the University of Utah gave me more than the thrill of competition. It provided a foundation for personal growth, education and lifelong relationships. Through college athletics, I developed skills in leadership, resilience and teamwork, which are central to what makes the experience so meaningful. These lessons shape who we become as students, leaders and members of our communities. Yet today, that foundation is at risk and the need for thoughtful reform is clear.
As the Big 12 Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representative, I speak for more than 9,500 student-athletes across 16 institutions and advocate for their welfare, experiences and academic success. In this role, I have heard from countless student-athletes, not only from the Big 12 but also from the other 30 Division I conferences, all of whom share a common concern: the need for a consistent, fair and student-focused framework that protects their opportunities and well-being. That is why I strongly support the Student Compensation and Opportunity through Rights and Endorsements Act, known as the SCORE Act.
The SCORE Act addresses four critical issues shaping the future of college athletics: creating protections and consistency for name, image and likeness (NIL); safeguarding the diversity of sports; preserving student-athletes’ nonemployment status; and supporting student-athletes’ health, safety and education.
Since the NCAA implemented its NIL policy in 2021, inconsistent state laws have created confusion and inequity. Student-athletes often navigate a maze of conflicting rules, leaving many vulnerable to manipulative agents and unclear guidance. The SCORE Act establishes national standards, bringing consistency across state lines, protecting student-athletes from exploitation and creating fair opportunities for all.
Also at stake is the rich diversity of sports that makes college athletics a distinct institution. Nonrevenue sports like lacrosse are especially vulnerable. Programs like mine depend on the structure and stability of college athletics to thrive. Without a national framework, schools may be forced to make difficult financial decisions that put smaller sports at risk. Some universities already made drastic cuts earlier this year, reducing opportunities for student-athletes, particularly those competing in women’s and Olympic sports. By requiring schools to maintain at least 16 varsity sports, the SCORE Act preserves opportunities for the next generation of athletes to compete, grow and thrive.
Equally important, this legislation reinforces what college sports should always be: student-focused rather than treated as a business, reflecting the values upon which it was founded nearly 120 years ago. Calls to classify student-athletes as employees threaten to transform college athletics into something unrecognizable, where teammates become co-workers and coaches become managers. The SCORE Act preserves the educational and developmental purpose of college athletics by upholding student-athletes’ nonemployment status. It ensures that sports remain a space for growth, learning and community.
Finally, the bill prioritizes the mental, physical and educational well-being of every student-athlete. By providing access to medical care, mental health resources, financial literacy programs and career development opportunities, the SCORE Act strengthens the foundation that supports success both on and off the field.
Congress is the only entity with the authority to provide a national solution to this evolving challenge in college athletics. That is why I, along with student-athletes across the nation, have sent countless letters to Congress urging action on the SCORE Act. Lawmakers should heed student-athletes’ call for a vibrant college sports ecosystem that supports both athletic and academic achievement. The SCORE Act is the only legislation that provides the safeguards necessary for student-athletes to compete, learn and thrive without compromising their health, education or future opportunities.
College athletics has always been about more than wins and losses. It is about preparing student-athletes for life, helping them develop character, discipline and leadership that extend far beyond the field. The SCORE Act honors that legacy while adapting to the realities of a changing landscape.
I urge lawmakers to support this bipartisan legislation and help secure the future of college sports. I also call on student-athletes, parents and supporters of college athletics to contact their House representatives and express support for the SCORE Act. By passing this legislation, Congress can ensure that college athletics remains fair, consistent and student-focused, protecting the opportunities, well-being and dreams of generations to come.