An age-old rumor has floated around Grand Valley State University for years: every football player gets pampered and given special treatment from the moment they sign. The reality, however, is a little less flashy materially, and offers resources for the athletes themselves.
The picture that emerges from Laker athletes is one of layered support. From basic gear packages to nutritional support, mental health resources and academic advising, University Athletics aims to equip students for success beyond the playing field.
There is talk that each football player receives a scooter as soon as they sign, and junior offensive lineman Josh Sander has heard this more than once.
“That’s incorrect,” said Sander. “I don’t know where that came from. Some guys have mopeds, some guys have scooters, but a lot of guys still just walk. They give you the option if you want to buy it.”
Instead, Sander explained that benefits for football players roll out gradually. After their first fall camp, players receive basics such as T-shirts, shorts, cleats and a team backpack. From there, the focus shifts to resources designed to keep players healthy and on track academically.
He specifically mentioned a program called Onrise, a free mental-health program created by athletes for athletes. Football players and all student-athletes at GVSU also have access to the Laker Fuel Hub, a nutrition center stocked with yogurt, protein bars, chocolate milk and rotating meal samplers created by school-appointed nutritionists.
“It takes so much off my plate not having to worry about if I’m putting the right things in my body,” Sander said, adding the medical team has also been extremely supportive. “When I needed knee surgery my freshman year, three days later I was on the operating table. They got me right in with the team surgeons.”
Sander also explained the benefits players are extended in the classroom.
“People around us want the best for us off the field, making sure we graduate on time,” Sander said.
While football players ease into their gear and resources, women’s lacrosse athletes get a much different welcome. Tatumn Nyen, a sophomore defender for the women’s lacrosse team, described her first day as a Laker athlete as an “early Christmas.”
“My first day of practice we walked into the locker room and our lockers contained three practice outfits, two track suits, new tennis shoes, cleats, parkas, rain coats, backpacks with foam rollers and resistance bands, new sticks and travel duffels,” Nyen said. “Our uniforms are given to us closer to the season but it felt like early Christmas.”
For Nyen, the most valuable benefits haven’t been physical. She highlighted the connections she’s been able to make through the program.
“A benefit I am very grateful for that I didn’t expect when I first came here was the network of people I (met),” Nyen said. “I’ve made so many connections and allowed myself opportunities to use my work ethic to help me further my future.”
Nyen also emphasized the resources available for all athletes on campus.
“We always have assistance, whether it pertains to our health, school or athletics,” Nyen said. “I’ve always felt very pampered and lucky to attend a school where they make every athlete feel valued.”
On the men’s basketball side, redshirt junior forward Shamus Thompson echoed the theme of strong support. His gear package, while more modest than lacrosse’s haul, still stands out. He received two jumpsuits, shoes and shorts. However, what impressed Thompson more was the access to trainers and staff.
“We have amazing trainers and staff that take care of our bodies to make sure we perform at the best of our capabilities,” Thompson said.
For Thompson, another unexpected and impressive perk has been the exposure that comes with playing for GVSU.
“I didn’t expect myself to get so much exposure from coming here,” Thompson added. “People know me from different states.”
Thompson said support feels consistent across campus sports, despite differing benefits, and that players get “treated equally.”
From nutrition and mental health to trainers, surgeons and academic advisors, student-athletes say they feel cared for and valued. To Sander, Nyen and Thompson, the benefits of being a Laker athlete are about more than what they wear on the field. They say the people and programs are what make their success possible.
