How it Works

So you compete in a sport, and you want to continue to compete in college; well, I am here to let you know that it is very doable—with “Do” being the keyword!
If you are in 7th grade or younger, you have an advantage because you can start creating good study habits now. If you are older than this, then hopefully you have already been doing what I am about to say; if not, get on it. If you are in 8th grade or starting 9th grade, then I am talking to you.
I taught high school for many years, guided my son through his D1 recruiting process, and have had many conversations with college coaches, so here is my best advice based on those experiences.
Grades matter and are hard to recover once you let them slide. With that being said, don’t think that if you struggle in your classes that you cannot receive good grades—this is not true. What it means, is that you will likely have to put more time in and get a tutor.
In order to compete collegiately you need to get the best grades you can, in the most rigorous classes you can get into, which will ultimately optimize your future opportunities. You also have to be able to manage your classes and create balance between your sport, school, and social life.
Being in college, or even in difficult high school classes, and competing in a sport is challenging. Most the time you have to “take the stairs as opposed to the elevator.” In other words, there are no easy roads. Time management becomes vital because sometimes you have to miss classes, and missing classes means missing out on valuable course content needed to pass exams, and since GPA (Grade Point Average) matters not only to get into the college of your choice, but also being allowed to stay in the college of your choice and continue to compete in your sport, you should take this advice to heart.
Procrastination and laziness are detrimental traits that will keep you from your goals. All homework must be done, and turned in on time. Also, take advantage of all extra credit offered. Consistently making the next best choice will benefit you later in your career as a student-athlete.