The Nerd’s Word: How to Succeed as A Student-Athlete and Not the Other Way Around

bradwellen@precioustimeny.com

For collegiate athletes, playing a sport began as fun and turned into a passion. If you are one of the lucky few that can take their passion to the next level, it will be a challenge to strike a balance between athletics and academics, but a worthwhile one.  Maybe you can hit a running jump shot, sink a 50-foot putt, or lay down a perfect bunt, but you will need the grades to continue showing off your skills in college.

If you have dreams of turning pro, that’s great. But you should know that, out of all the high school football players in the country, only 0.09 percent go on to play professionally. For high school men’s basketball players, only 0.03 percent make it to the pros – so you better be a superstar before you decide to put the game ahead of the books.  Most Division I schools have an academic support system set up just for student athletes, or at least a contact person who can steer them in the right direction to get the help they need.  If you are a student-athlete in need of some guidance, the Nerd is here with some pointers on how to get your career on the right path – whether you future lies in the office or on the field of play.

Most athletic departments have guidelines about how athletes must notify professors about athletic schedules and missed classes. It is best to give your professor your athletic schedule and the days you may miss at the beginning of the semester. Many professors are flexible, but do not take advantage of their understanding. Make sure you turn in assignments in on time. You may want to find a “buddy” in class so that you can get notes from classes you miss.

The NCAA sets regulations aimed at keeping student-athletes eligible. However, in the end, it is the student’s responsibility to remain in good standing on and off the field. The NCAA has a GPA minimum of 2.1 for eligibility, but some schools or coaches may set a higher GPA minimum. Make sure you are aware of your school or sport’s policy and understand the consequences of falling below the required GPA.

Schools also typically have tutorial centers.  Some colleges offer remediation to get students to the point where they need to be, however others have little to no assistance. If you expect help and it’s not offered, then you could get in over your head academically.  Many universities expect college-aged students to be responsible enough to balance their workload with their practice/game schedules without any guidance from an advisor.  Regardless of what aid your college has to offer, be prepared to be managing your own time and making your own decisions when it comes to getting your work done.

Many schools also provide academic coaching through organized study tables for student athletes. These typically combine tutors – either peers or professional staff – and computer labs. Attending study tables is sometimes mandatory and a great way to promote a team concept through learning together.

Growing in popularity are academic courses that actually teach student athletes how to be successful college students. Many schools have created their own, and the NCAA has one called CHAMPS/Life Skills Program (Challenging Athletes Minds for Personal Success) that’s at more than 500 schools around the country. Some colleges count it toward your credits for graduation; others use it as a free elective. Some athletic departments require it, some encourage it and others leave it up to the student to decide.

Most athletes have a full schedule, so time management is important.  Although a student-athlete’s time is limited, it’s important to find some downtime between practice and homework so that you refuel before beginning schoolwork. Schedule just a few minutes to unwind so that you are ready to put all your attention toward schoolwork.

Overall, most student athletes find balancing athletics and academics to be a rewarding experience. Often, what athletes learn on the field can translate directly to the classroom.  Student-athletes constantly make connections between the teamwork, motivation, and dedication needed to succeed in sports to their work and experiences in their courses.  Next week, the Nerd’s Word will fill you in on how to make the most of a college internship.