The semester has already begun for some; here’s why student-athletes should focus on getting off to a great start.
Classes are back in session this semester and this school year is sure to be as unpredictable as the last. Some student-athletes have returned back to the classroom while others have transitioned into full-time virtual learning. Adjustments will need to be made on the part of athletes to remain productive and eligible for NCAA competition.
In sports, how you finish the game is usually most important. But in academics, it’s more about how you start. Beginning the semester on a good foot will save you a lot of trouble later on in the year. Starting the year off with solid grades will give you some leeway toward the end of the semester when you’re tired from games and practices. You don’t want to get off to a bad start, then have to dig yourself and your GPA out of a hole.
Here are a few things you can do to make sure they get off to a great start.
Create a schedule to stay on track.
Plenty of student-athletes, especially incoming freshmen, assume that they can move forward with the same classroom habits they had in high school and succeed in college. For most, this simply is not true. There are far more distractions and opportunities to slip up in college than students have ever been presented with before.
Once you have your class schedule, carve out time for the things that you know you want to accomplish each day. Include your practices, study sessions, time for homework, fun, and rest! We suggest using some sort of agenda or planner to keep track of assignments and events on campus that you don’t want to miss. Be sure to refer to this schedule often and stick to it. Disorganization breeds chaos and chaos does not produce success.
Dedicate a quiet, clean space for studying.
Your work isn’t going to get done with the television blasting, friends hanging around, or if your room/living area is a mess. As a student-athlete, your schedule will get pretty hectic. Set up a desk with any supplies you might need while studying. Have some snacks and water nearby so you don’t have to distract yourself too long when you get hungry.
Then settle in and knock it out of the park. Don’t waste time procrastinating! Lock in. Get it done, and get to the fun! Let’s handle our business so that we can do the things we want to do when we want to do them.
Ask for help as soon as you need it.
We all know of a coach that waits until her team is down by 20 points to call a timeout or make some adjustments. Don’t be that guy. Student-athletes often have tons of resources around them to prevent them from slipping academically. It’s important to maintain academic eligibility to play your sport and give yourself the best chance at receiving a scholarship if you haven’t already.
Ask your teachers for help if there’s something you don’t understand. Here at Free Game Program, we offer tutoring services for athletes of all ages. If you don’t feel comfortable asking during class, let us know and we’ll get you caught up quickly.
That’s a little Free Game for you!
As always, check out our full blog for more tips and resources as you get ready to dominate this year! Follow us on social media @freegameprogram as well.