First things first, what is a Student-Athlete?

A student-athlete is someone who understands how to manage school and sports by providing equal dedication and maximum effort to both areas.

Student-athletes are often challenged to balance academics, community service and sportsmanship during the school year.  At times, these tasks can be quite overwhelming. UUYF has compiled some tips and tricks to assist student-athletes in “balancing it all.”

In the word “student-athlete,” student always comes first. Many students face the challenges of maintaining their GPA’s and completing their homework assignments and coursework all while practicing and perfecting the skills needed in the sports arena.  How can a student-athlete achieve his or her goals in both settings?

·       Pay attention during class!  When you’re in a specific class, think about topics that pertain to that class.

·       Take good notes so you can review during your free time, and practice good time management during that free time so you use it wisely.

·       Ask your teacher ahead of time for any assignments you will miss so you can keep up with the coursework even during your sports season.

·       Form study groups with your teammates.

·       Complete assignments during study hall.

·       Encourage coaches and administrators to recognize when students are doing well with their coursework and struggling with certain assignments.

·       Properly organize your planner.

·       Prioritize assignments.

·       Avoid distractions!

Student-athletes are viewed as role models in their communities.  It is important for student-athletes to give back to the cities that support them in all their endeavors.  Community service not only helps student-athletes with potential scholarships, but it also creates a positive image and sense of unity for the team and the school they represent.

·       Participate in community service and community activities such as road clean-ups, volunteer with younger students, raise funds for a cause such as Relay for Life.

·       Lead by example for younger members of the community.

·       Encourage teammates to participate in these types of activities together.

Small acts of sportsmanship can go a long way.  It’s the little things such as helping someone up when they fall, shaking hands with the opposing team even after a tough loss and thanking the officials for their work that are always appreciated in youth sports. As leaders in the community, student-athletes should always be setting the standard by displaying good sportsmanship.

·       Remember everyone on the playing field is trying to achieve the same goal.

·       Lead by example for your teammates.

·       Communicate effectively by keeping your composure when speaking with your teammates, coaches and officials.

·       While everyone might not agree with the call on the field, it is best to move on and keep playing with your best effort.

Everyone handles situations differently.  It is important to understand what you know you can do and what you cannot do.  When there is a lot on your plate, you might not be able to get everything done, but if you learn to properly manage your time and put in maximum effort, achieving great things is still possible. 

·       Set attainable goals for yourself.

·       Prioritize your tasks and reward yourself when you have completed them.

·       Learn your time management system and what works for you and what doesn’t.

·       Create a positive work ethic for every subject (even if it isn’t your favorite).

·       Communicate with your teachers, coaches and teammates.

·       Learn to say “no.”

·       At the end of the day, if you enjoy what you’re doing everything will fall into place.