Is playing sports in college a big distraction for your intended major?
I am intending on playing sports next year however I am afraid it will affect my grades. #sports
4 answers
Jenny Newman
Jenny’s Answer
Hi Michela!
As a former college athlete, I strongly encourage you to participate in sports while in college for many reasons, listed below. But like all things, it will only distract your from your grades and studies if you let it. Too much of anything will take you away from your studies, like partying, sleeping, working, etc. Its about finding life balance, and knowing your limits. But I highly suggest you get involved (or stay involved) with sports in college, and here is why:
- Sports teaches you commitment & discipline.
Life is full of conflicting priorities, and many different obstacles will be thrown your way. The commitment and effort you put into things matters. It matters in business, it matters in relationships, it matters in personal growth. Learning how to commit to things, even if it gets hard over time will help you build a real world skill-set that will help you in the future. - Participating in sports helps build your ability to work with others.
Team sports are hard. You don't always know what each other are thinking, or doing while participating together on a team. You have to trust your teammates to pull their weight, and they have to trust you to do the same. Working together takes good communication, and the ability to work through diverse problems over time. - Sports helps build self-confidence.
You'll be amazed at how often in life you don't think you can do something. Self-doubt is natural, and we all go through it. But what sports helps you do over time is learn that it's okay if you're not 100% perfect. Actually, the more you can fail and learn to pick yourself up, the better. You won't always win a game, or win the race, etc... but how you react to not winning is a testimony of your character. Are you the type of person that learns from those circumstances and continues to persevere, or are you someone who quits the minute things get hard?
Not only will you benefit from the items I listed above, but you'll also find out that the community of people you meet through sports is a lifetime network of friends. Some of the people I met in college around the team I was on have lasted a lifetime. You sweat together, you hurt together, you win together, and lose together - and that creates a bond that not many other people can have in college.
So go out there and give it your best! You can do it!
Samantha’s Answer
Antonio’s Answer
There are alot of student athletes in the same position as you find yourself. To have success as a student athlete you must create a routine and balance between athletics and classes. Once defined it will align focus for both which will allow success in both areas.