Playing a sport in high school can take up a significant amount of your time! While juggling your sport with school can sometimes feel overwhelming, it can also make you a better student. Here are some academic benefits of playing a sport in high school!

Time management

On top of managing your academic responsibilities, you’re also juggling the responsibilities of your sport. You can take the lessons you’ve learned from your sport and apply them to your academics! For example, you may have dedicated practice time with your team three times a week for two hours at a time. During this time, you focus only on practice. You can do the same with your academics by setting aside regular focused time to work only on homework or studying. By intentionally blocking out this time, you’re much more likely to focus.

Teamwork

As the saying goes, there is no “I” in “team.” Because you collaborate with others regularly in your sport, you may find it much easier to be a team player in the classroom, thoughtfully contributing to group projects or study sessions.

Communication skills

Since most sports are collaborative, they require open communication. You communicate frequently with your teammates about plays, strategies, and tactics. As a student athlete, you’ll find it easier to communicate in school– especially with your classmates and teachers. Need some more time to complete your portion of a group project? Not understanding a key concept that will be on an upcoming test? You can communicate these things openly and honestly to receive the support you need.

Giving and receiving feedback

Improving in your sport requires determination and an openness to receiving feedback. If your coach or teammate corrects your form or technique, they’re doing so because they care about your improvement! The same can be said in the classroom. If a teacher gives you feedback about your performance on an exam or assignment, it’s because they care and want you to succeed. As you progress through your sport, you may find it easier to receive and implement feedback into all areas of your life. Additionally, you may find it easier to give constructive feedback, too!

Confidence

In addition to taking the time to practice and improve your skills as an athlete, you also need to be confident in yourself and your teammates! The same goes for your academics. Even if you take time to prepare for an exam or assignment, it’s important to have confidence in yourself as a student to succeed. Once you’ve built up confidence in your sport and in school, you may also find it easier to ask for and receive help when needed.

College and jobs 

In addition to making you a better student, experience playing sports can also go a long way on college applications and on your resume! Colleges and employers appreciate applicants who can demonstrate that they are engaged outside of their academics and can collaborate well with others. Be sure to add your experience with your sport to your resume and on your college applications! 

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