I just wish that schools did take grades into heavier consideration. Especially at smaller schools it's not fair. To think some kid somewhere got rejected from UNC, or UConn, or Kentucky ect, because the star freshman point guard, defensive back ect who was going to lead the team to a National Championship and is going to make the school a boatload of money, but not go to class, took their spot.
I've meet some kids who are star athletes who aren't the brightest and it's sad to know they are here over friends who wanted to be here for an education. I can't speak for all athletes at UNC (save for one athlete who I know personally) but to think of the money spent letting some kid who won't work at all play a sport, instead of a kid financially struggling is sickening, especially thinking of kids who don't end up going to the school because the school doesn't have the money.
ETA the schools listed are not small, but are very good schools academically and in sports.