2 answers
Isabelle
Student
Yukon, Oklahoma
1
Question
Asked
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What benefits come from focusing on academics and athletes in college?
I have been an athlete for my entire high school experience and I wonder if it affects you differently going into college and whether its a good or bad decisions to compete in college.
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2 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1087
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Having been a college athlete myself, I would definitely recommend participating in a college sport. Participating in college athletics offers benefits such as developing important life skills, enhancing academic performance, and improving mental and physical well-being.
It can also lead to financial advantages like scholarships and provides opportunities for social growth, networking, and professional development.
To be a successful college athlete, you must be able to balance your commitment to your sport with excellent academic performance by managing your time effectively.
This includes becoming proficient at utilizing campus resources. Especially the ones that are offered to college athletes. Many athletic programs have all kinds of educational resources to help athletes. This includes athletic department advisors, who specialize in helping the athletes get into the right classes and balancing those classes with competition and practice schedules.
These advisors also assist with setting clear goals for academics. If the athletes need help, they normally are provided access to tutors and other academic support staff, to assist with classes. So definitely utilize all the academic resources the athletic department has for you
You must also be willing to cultivate your leadership and teamwork skills.
This means being able to communicate with coaches and professors, take care of your physical health through consistent training and recovery, and manage your personal brand and reputation.
And definitely, make sure that you understand and meet your institution's academic requirements to maintain your athletic eligibility. I knew athletes, who did not track their progress or grades, and ultimately became ineligible during their tenure at the college that I attended.
It can also lead to financial advantages like scholarships and provides opportunities for social growth, networking, and professional development.
To be a successful college athlete, you must be able to balance your commitment to your sport with excellent academic performance by managing your time effectively.
This includes becoming proficient at utilizing campus resources. Especially the ones that are offered to college athletes. Many athletic programs have all kinds of educational resources to help athletes. This includes athletic department advisors, who specialize in helping the athletes get into the right classes and balancing those classes with competition and practice schedules.
These advisors also assist with setting clear goals for academics. If the athletes need help, they normally are provided access to tutors and other academic support staff, to assist with classes. So definitely utilize all the academic resources the athletic department has for you
You must also be willing to cultivate your leadership and teamwork skills.
This means being able to communicate with coaches and professors, take care of your physical health through consistent training and recovery, and manage your personal brand and reputation.
And definitely, make sure that you understand and meet your institution's academic requirements to maintain your athletic eligibility. I knew athletes, who did not track their progress or grades, and ultimately became ineligible during their tenure at the college that I attended.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
650
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Isabelle. Focusing on both academics and athletics can bring many benefits, as long as you are ready for the responsibilities that come with it. One major benefit is learning strong time management skills. When you balance classes, homework, practices, and games, you quickly learn how to stay organized and use your time wisely. These skills help you not only in college, but also in your future career and adult life.
Being an athlete also gives you structure. Practices, workouts, and team meetings help you keep a regular routine. Many find that having a set schedule keeps them focused and actually helps their grades. Instead of wasting time or procrastinating, you learn to study during your free hours and stay on top of assignments. The discipline you gain from your sport often transfers directly into your academics.
Another benefit is the strong sense of community that comes with being part of a team. When you join a college team, you immediately have a group of people who support you, understand your challenges, and share your goals. Your teammates often become close friends, and your coaches can become mentors. This support system can make the transition from high school to college much easier, especially if you're living away from home for the first time.
However, it's important to understand that college sports are usually more demanding than high school sports. Practices may be tougher, schedules may be busier, and expectations may be higher. You need to be honest with yourself about whether you can balance the physical and mental demands of your sport with your schoolwork. This doesn't mean you shouldn't compete, it's just that you should think about what you want and what you're ready for.
Being an athlete also gives you structure. Practices, workouts, and team meetings help you keep a regular routine. Many find that having a set schedule keeps them focused and actually helps their grades. Instead of wasting time or procrastinating, you learn to study during your free hours and stay on top of assignments. The discipline you gain from your sport often transfers directly into your academics.
Another benefit is the strong sense of community that comes with being part of a team. When you join a college team, you immediately have a group of people who support you, understand your challenges, and share your goals. Your teammates often become close friends, and your coaches can become mentors. This support system can make the transition from high school to college much easier, especially if you're living away from home for the first time.
However, it's important to understand that college sports are usually more demanding than high school sports. Practices may be tougher, schedules may be busier, and expectations may be higher. You need to be honest with yourself about whether you can balance the physical and mental demands of your sport with your schoolwork. This doesn't mean you shouldn't compete, it's just that you should think about what you want and what you're ready for.