I agree the time commitment is not that high and often includes things that kids would be doing anyway like eating, watching film (of themselves or their opponents - people who like sports often watch sports). In non-season, she had practice, study tables, team volunteer activities, meals, some scrimmages. During her season, I’d say she had practice for 2-3 hours per day unless there was a game then the game was 3 hours. Practice or play on the weekend for a few hours. Even the busiest of weeks, spring break with 4 games (always at home), it wasn’t 40 hours.
I don’t feel like she was an employee. If the students let athletics interfere with their academics, that’s on them. Athletes at most schools do quite well academically. My daughter’s coach knew if she skipped a class or did poorly on a test.