By Andrew Jordan
Student-athletes are some of the most hardworking individuals in our schools. They juggle the demands of rigorous academic coursework, practice schedules, travel for competitions, and the pressure to perform at a high level—both on the field and in the classroom. As an educator, coach, and former event organizer, I have seen firsthand how athletics can positively shape a student’s character while also presenting unique challenges.
The key to success for student-athletes isn’t just about finding time to study between practices; it’s about creating a school culture that values both academics and athletics equally. Schools play a crucial role in ensuring that student-athletes have the resources, support, and guidance they need to excel in both areas. Here are some ways we can help them strike the right balance.
Emphasizing the “Student” in Student-Athlete
Too often, student-athletes see themselves primarily as athletes first and students second. This mindset can be reinforced by the external pressures of competition, scholarships, and the excitement of sports. However, as educators and administrators, we need to continuously emphasize that their academic success is just as important—if not more so—than their athletic achievements.
One way to do this is by setting clear academic expectations. Coaches and teachers should work together to ensure that student-athletes are meeting grade requirements and staying on track for graduation. When academic excellence is prioritized within sports programs, students understand that their performance in the classroom matters just as much as their performance on game day.
Implementing Academic Support Systems
Athletes often have packed schedules, making it challenging to find time for studying and completing assignments. Schools can provide structured academic support systems to help them succeed, such as:
- Mandatory Study Halls: Designating specific times for student-athletes to focus on their studies can create a structured environment where academics are prioritized. This can take place before or after practice, ensuring that students dedicate time to their schoolwork.
- Tutoring Programs: Offering free or low-cost tutoring services, either through peer tutoring programs or professional educators, can be a game-changer for student-athletes struggling with certain subjects.
- Grade Checks and Progress Reports: Regular academic check-ins between teachers and coaches can help identify struggling students early, allowing for intervention before grades slip too far.
By putting these systems in place, we remove barriers that might otherwise prevent student-athletes from reaching their full academic potential.
Teaching Time Management and Organizational Skills
One of the biggest challenges student-athletes face is time management. Between school, practices, games, and personal responsibilities, they often struggle to balance everything effectively. Schools should take an active role in helping them develop these skills.
Teachers, coaches, and counselors can provide guidance on:
- Prioritizing tasks: Encouraging students to create daily or weekly schedules can help them plan ahead for assignments, tests, and practices.
- Avoiding procrastination: Helping students break down large assignments into manageable parts can prevent last-minute cramming or rushed work.
- Using technology effectively: Apps like Google Calendar, Evernote, and Todoist can help student-athletes keep track of their responsibilities.
By equipping students with these skills, we are not only helping them succeed in high school but also preparing them for the demands of college and future careers.
Encouraging Communication Between Coaches and Teachers
One of the biggest mistakes schools can make is failing to foster communication between athletic programs and academic departments. Coaches and teachers should work together to ensure that student-athletes receive consistent support.
For example, if a student has an important game on the same night as a big test, their coach should be aware of it and encourage them to communicate with their teacher about rescheduling or finding a solution. Likewise, teachers should be flexible when student-athletes miss class due to games or tournaments, providing them with resources to catch up on missed work.
Regular meetings between athletic directors, coaches, and school administrators can help build a collaborative environment where academics and athletics work hand in hand.
Promoting a Healthy Balance to Prevent Burnout
Burnout is a real concern for student-athletes. The combination of academic stress, physical fatigue, and performance pressure can take a toll on their mental and physical health. Schools must recognize the warning signs and encourage a balanced approach to both academics and sports.
Some ways to promote balance include:
- Encouraging rest and recovery: Students need adequate sleep and downtime to perform well in both the classroom and on the field.
- Teaching stress management techniques: Mindfulness, breathing exercises, and time management strategies can help students handle the pressure.
- Promoting mental health awareness: Schools should provide access to counselors and resources for students who may be struggling with anxiety, stress, or other mental health challenges.
A student who is well-rested, mentally focused, and physically healthy will perform better in all areas of life.
Highlighting the Long-Term Benefits of Academics
For many student-athletes, the dream is to play at the collegiate or professional level. While that dream is worth pursuing, the reality is that only a small percentage will make it to the highest levels of sports. Even for those who do, their athletic careers won’t last forever.
This is why it’s so important to emphasize the long-term value of education. Schools should regularly share success stories of former student-athletes who went on to achieve great things in business, medicine, education, or other fields. Career counseling and mentorship programs can also help students see how their academic achievements will benefit them long after their playing days are over.
A Team Effort
Balancing athletics and academics is not just the responsibility of the student—it’s a team effort that requires support from parents, teachers, coaches, and school administrators. When we work together to create an environment that prioritizes both education and athletics, we set student-athletes up for success in all areas of life.
By emphasizing academics, providing structured support systems, teaching time management, fostering communication, promoting balance, and highlighting the long-term value of education, we can help student-athletes reach their full potential—not just as athletes, but as lifelong learners and leaders.
Our goal as educators isn’t just to produce great athletes; it’s to shape well-rounded individuals who are prepared for whatever path they choose after high school. Let’s make sure we’re giving them the tools they need to excel both in the classroom and in competition.