To the non-athlete who may not understand,

First, I want to get this off my chest. We go to a small liberal arts school where all of us know pretty much everyone at least to some extent. We have small classes of mostly less than 20 people. Participation is part of our grade in the end. There is no way to hide here in Richmond's magazine-like setting.

But, what you may not know is that we have some exceptional sports teams. You may not care, which in all honesty hurts our feelings. We don't play our sports for you. We don't struggle for you, but it would be nice if you ever noticed. If I had to ask, how many sporting events have you been to at your time here? Besides the UR vs. VCU basketball game? Besides the first home football game of the year? Better yet, how many women's sporting events have you been to? Did you know we have a swim team?

You need to admit we have a problem at Richmond. The problem is the lack of people who really care about our athletes. Just as a disclaimer, I don't expect to be treated any differently because I'm an athlete. But, I know I speak for all athletes when I say we would appreciate it if someone, anyone, realized us or congratulated us on our success.

As I sat at the football game this past weekend at UVA where our very own Spiders dominated, you could obviously see how many Richmond students were there because our #UnitedinRed stuck out compared to the Cavaliers' Orange. I noticed a trend. The entire swim team was there, most of the women's' lacrosse team, and most of the women's' soccer team. We made up over half of the Richmond section. Athletes care for other athletes. Why do you think that is? Because if we didn't no one else would.

At the field hockey game yesterday I noticed a similar trend. The same teams supporting one another when their schedule allows for it. Yes, those are our friends, but in reality going to the small school that we do those are your friends too.

You may wonder why athletes stick together. It's not a new concept. We are able to relate to each other sometimes easier than we can relate to other people. The bond between student-athletes is like no other. We just wish some other people would see the magic we bring to the University. I'm not talking the mainstream sports like football or basketball. I'm talking about following all sports because in reality we go to small school and we need your support.

Sincerely,

A student-athlete who wishes to see the stands packed.