College athletes are students who participate in competitive sports while attending a college or university. They often balance their academic responsibilities with rigorous training and competition schedules. Many college athletes compete in organized leagues, such as the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), which governs college sports in the United States. These athletes can receive scholarships that help cover tuition and other expenses, allowing them to pursue higher education while honing their athletic skills. College athletics can serve as a pathway to professional sports careers, but most college athletes do not go on to play at the professional level.