Why Do Student-Athletes Need Good Grades?

To know Why Do Student-Athletes Need Good Grades….Read on this article….!

In today’s world, you cannot be all brawn and have no brains. Athletes must balance physical strength with mental capacity. When a student athlete’s playing career is over, making good grades in class can assist them in making good grades in life, irrespective of how promising or flawed their athletic career was. 

Why Do Student-Athletes Need Good Grades?

Student-athletes need good grades to excel in their athletic race as the primary purpose of schools is to educate. However, this does not subvert the importance of sports play. Division I and Division II of The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) have GPA requirements for athletic scholarships. The requirements are pertinent before aspiring students are offered admission or scholarships. 

Reasons Why Student-Athletes Need Good Grades

  • Good grades play a vital role in obtaining scholarships. Even if you are a terrific player, you will not get a fully funded scholarship if your grades are not good.
  • Character: Grades reveal the character of student-athletes. Maintaining good grades on a flex schedule reveals students who put extra effort into academics. Such students are given more attention.
  • Esteem/ self-confidence: Having good grades boosts the esteem of the student-athlete.   
  • There is a higher probability of being selected into a team if a student can impress their coach with good grades.
  • The traditional purpose of schools is to provide education. A student-athlete who only excels in sports neglecting his academics will be seen as a failure no matter how well their career is.
  • Most professional athletes play a bit more than ten years, maximum. After their career, they are left with over 40 years of retirement, and what if they get hurt during their career? This is where good grades come. It serves as a fallback for athletes after their careers, whether successful or otherwise.
  • If a student should use all their time playing sport in school without working on their grades and they unfortunately never go pro, such student is at a disadvantage.

NCAA GPA Requirements for Athletic Scholarships

     A 2.0 GPA is the least you can get to receive an athletic scholarship in Division I and II Of The NCAA. The requirements to receive NCAA academic eligibility vary according to the sliding scale.

NCAA Academic Requirements

  • Core Course Requirements: Student-athletes are to ace 16 core courses in High school. If you meet the Division 1 core course requirements, you will be eligible for Division 2.
  • Core Course GPA: The NCAA is concerned only with your GPA.
  • NCAA Sliding scale: A merger of your GPA and SAT or ACT is accessed by the NCAA to determine your qualification. 

How to Combine Academics and Sport

  • Organize your schedule: Do what you are supposed to do when you are supposed to. Have a schedule of what you are to do each week, and do not fail to carry them out. Write on a calendar when assignments and projects are due.
  • Sleep: Try to find time to relax and sleep. You are only one person. Don’t overwhelm your schedule with rigorous activities. Take a few minutes each day to meditate and reflect on yourself. Engage in yoga.
  • Eat healthily: Eat as healthily as possible. Add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Don’t forget to drink lots of water. Reduce intake of carbs. Visit the clinic regularly for check-ups.
  • Do not procrastinate: It will make you disorganized. Do your assignments and submit them on time. Procrastination is a lazy man’s excuse. 
  • Work out: Get on your feet and put your body in motion. Do some stretches, cardio, and yoga. Physical exercise is as good as mental exercise. Stretching helps to relieve sour muscles after intense sports time or idleness.
  • Study: This cannot be overemphasized. To balance academics and sport, you must study hard. Train your mind. Read outside of your school’s curriculum to gain more knowledge.
  • Do not be afraid to ask for help: No man is an island. A problem shared is a problem solved. Leave your shell and socialize. Teachers and coaches want you to be successful. If you are lagging either academically or sports-wise, let them know. Communication is key.
  • Use your weekends wisely: Use your weekends to do something productive since weekdays are for school. 
  • Avoid distractions: Don’t study in front of the TV or with loud music playing in your room if you will be humming to the song every two seconds. Avoid staying late nights because it would reduce your performance the next day. Keep healthy and profitable relations with like-minded people.
  • Sacrifices: Life is tasking in college. The increased workload in school, keeping up with the trend, peer pressure, and societal influence generally. You will have to skip hanging out with friends to get yourself together.

Conclusion

Student-athletes need good grades to gain scholarships as well as recognition. Not all athletes get fully funded. No matter how skilled. The primary objective of schools is to instill knowledge in students. Any other thing is secondary. Your likelihood of getting a scholarship is placed above others if your grades are well above average. For instance, The NCAA will not allow student-athletes to play sports unless they meet the required GP, SAT, or ACT score. To be given a scholarship in the NCAA, the student must graduate from high school, have a minimum of 2.0 GPA and score more than 700 on SAT or 18 on the ACT.

FAQs

1. What can I do to get good grades in college?

A- You can get good grades in college by making a weekly schedule, figuring out a reading pattern that works for you, eating healthy, attending classes, and having a good rest. Avoid keeping late nights or joining sororities.

2. Is it necessary for students to get good grades to play sports?

A- Yes! Student-athletes need to get good grades to play sports. Therefore, NCAA prioritizes academics over sports.

3. Does being a student-athlete affect your grades?

A- Yes! It does on the negative side on average. Student-athletes can prevent this by making a weekly schedule of activities they are to execute and sticking to them.