By Alexandra Momot, Kobe Cuprill, Gracie Brocato, and Donte Davis
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writers
Athletes in collegiate sports programs face immense performance pressure, which often leads to struggles with body image and eating disorders. Institutions have tried to put measures in place to ensure athletes have a healthy body image and a strong knowledge of nutrition. While programs and coaches have made efforts to improve conditions for their athletes, many athletes still face body image and disordered eating issues. The study found that 49.2% (Division I) and 40.4% (Division III) of female athletes were in the subclinical eating disorder range.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) found an evident difference between student-athletes and their perceptions of body weight and image based on gender. The NCAA discovered that female athletes were more likely to perceive themselves as overweight, whereas men were more likely to report being underweight. The NCAA and Universities across the U.S. have placed significant pressure on collegiate female athletes. In addition to those pressures, these athletes are expected to maintain a particular body type. Reported that 24.2% of Division I female athletes and 30.7 % of Division III female athletes were either very dissatisfied or mostly dissatisfied with their overall appearance. Breanna Summers of the Morgan State Lacrosse Team shared her experiences with Baltimore Watchdog about these unfair expectations, “For the football players, they are either told to lose weight or that they need to bulk up, and cheerleaders constantly told that skinnier is prettier.”
There is a different pressure for body image depending on the sport. Certain sports that emphasize aesthetics such as gymnastics or figure skating may place a higher emphasis on appearance compared to sports where performance depends on strength and skill. Former Towson Swimmer and Alumni, Rachel Hoban reflected on her time at Towson University and her struggles with body image.
“I remember that my team (swimming) and the gymnastics team struggled a bit more than the average athlete with body image. Both teams had practice uniforms that revealed way more of our bodies than any other sport. For us, we would wear skintight suits so that we had less resistance while swimming through the water. Body image was not something that we often talked about out loud, but I think we all couldn’t help but compare ourselves to one another in our heads. Now, I think the tone of body empowerment has changed. “Strong and curvy” now has a similar tone as “Skinny and toned”. Just because someone isn’t the stereotypical swimmer’s body, doesn’t mean their bodies are less celebrated. I like now that the conversation is more around “Am I fueling my body?” And “Am I making healthy choices?” Hoban said.
Through the support of loved ones, coaches, teammates, and friends, student-athletes can work to develop a positive body image while balancing working out and fueling their bodies to support their athletic performance. Student-athletes who may struggle with disordered eating or exercise behaviors can often find support in counseling centers.
Towson Swim and Dive head coach Anthony Bruno has worked to provide resources and support for his team’s athletes. The swim and dive teams can access trainers and dieticians who aim to provide nutrition education and create a positive body image in athletes. Bruno stated,
“Our program works with two different athletic trainers, and we have access to Molly Murphy, our director of sports nutrition, who is a registered dietitian. Beyond the athletic department education requirements, we have Molly come during our training times, 2-3 times a semester to do workshops with the team. The goal of the workshops is to provide additional education but also to build a relationship with Molly so team members will feel more comfortable using her as a resource. Outside of that- I try to promote a healthy culture and encourage team members to use the resources we have access to.”
Coach Bruno also states that athletes have access to a sports psychologist in addition to the resources, “Anyone needing additional support can be referred to Blake (Sports Psychologist), and he is able to work with the medical staff and counseling center to get additional support.” said Coach Bruno. There are similar resources in other campuses too.
Susan Buswell offers counseling services at Archbishop Spalding, a school that offers 30 Varsity Sports competing in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association and the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland.
“Since COVID, I believe, schools are attempting to make mental health a priority. However, the pressures and anxiety this generation has been experiencing cannot keep up with the demand. Add the extra responsibilities and pressure for athletes, and it’s no wonder there is a crisis.” Bushwell says.
Institutions have been taking steps to provide athletes with support and resources to improve athlete body image. While programs have been making progress, athletes are still struggling, and there are still steps to take.