Being a Student-Athlete

What does it mean to be a student-athlete? Many forget that there is a life outside of sports for many athletes. School is important, alongside music and other club activities. Kids now days are extremely busy trying to balance sports, school, clubs, and work. It takes a lot to be a successful student-athlete.

The number one priority for high school players should be their school work, not sports. For many this is reversed and it shows in their report cards. If a student doesn't take care of what they need to in the classroom they can become ineligible for a game/games, which is bad for the student and the team. I make sure to take care of my academics personally because I know that it's important to be successful in the classroom, just like it's important to be successful on the field. The thing that I believe many athletes forget is that for the majority of them, sports will not be there for them after high school. Many will go on to do different careers and jobs, which is why being a good student should come first. Some people are more athletically gifted than others, that's a fact of nature, but all people should focus on school and then sports as a backup.

I also believe that student athletes should be well rounded. What does this mean? I think there is more to life than just school and sports. Music is a tremendously important thing to me. I'm in different choirs and show choir and enjoy all of it, yet I also enjoy sports. Many people have the stereotype that a person is either a jock or a person interested in the arts. I provide both and I think more people should. It opens up other friend groups and allows a person to have different sides of them.

Student-athletes also must take a lot of pride and focus in their sport. They must want to put in the work to be successful, and help their team. In order to be a successful athlete a player must buy into the team and focus on improving their game. Another thing athletes focus on the season at hand. Many play multiple sports, and coaches want to work with them for that sport year round. In order to become the best you can be a player should take one season at a time and not get distracted by non-season issues. If there is a conflict with a club sport or activity during the season they should focus on the in-season sport and worry about the other thing later.

Student-athletes have to juggle a lot of different things. Football? Music? School? It takes a lot of effort, but if a person can be well rounded and successful at everything they do then life is going to be great! Success will be earned in all of their activities and goals will be met in school. This will lead to options after high school that can lead to great things the rest of their lives.