Publications
BEYOND THE FIELD: THE ACADEMIC CHALLENGES AND
TRIUMPHS OF STUDENT-ATHLETES
by:
Jessica S. Vicencio
SHS Teacher II, E.C. Bernabe National High School
Student-athletes, who manage the demands of demanding training regimens and
academic obligations, represent the dynamic balance between academic success and
athletic prowess. Their stories of tenacity, self-control, and fortitude are powerful. But
there are challenges along the way. Their ability to perform in their chosen sports and
maintain excellent academic standards is frequently hampered by juggling these
conflicting commitments. Many students suffer academically as a result of the time
commitment required for practices, games, and travel, as well as the appeal of athletic
achievement. In spite of these obstacles, innumerable student-athletes overcome the odds,
proving that academic and athletic success are achievable.
Student-athletes frequently have to juggle the demanding academic requirements with
the mental and physical demands of competitive sports. Although some preconceptions
suggest that athletes are not interested in their studies, evidence has mainly refuted this
idea. According to studies, student-athletes' success depends on their capacity to
successfully combine their roles in academics and athletics rather than having to choose
between the two. This entails using time-management techniques and establishing
specific objectives to balance their obligations (Blaschke, 2023). Furthermore, studies have
connected sports participation to cognitive advantages like enhanced memory and focus,
which could result in greater academic performance (Stead & Neville, 2010).
Despite Because of their rigorous schedules, student-athletes frequently suffer
from high levels of stress and exhaustion. For example, their academic performance may
suffer if they miss lectures for training or competitions, especially in topics that demand
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Publications
constant participation (Agustin, 2022). Nonetheless, mentorship programs and goal-
oriented projects like Project SAW, as well as other institutional and school support
networks, have demonstrated promise in filling these gaps. These programs help players
become more disciplined, well-rounded people in addition to improving their academic
and athletic success (Rutledge, 2023). Educational institutions can support student-
athletes in achieving success on the field and in the classroom by emphasizing a balance
between athletics and academics.
References:
Agustin, L. D. (2022). Academic performance of student-athletes: Basis for Project SAW
(Student-Athletes for the Win) – A school sports program. IOER International
Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 4(1), 203–212.
Blaschke, J. (2023). Motivational, identity-based, and self-regulatory factors associated
with academic achievement of US collegiate student-athletes: A meta-analytic
investigation. Educational Psychology Review. Texas State University.
Rutledge, M. E. (2023). Exploring how student-athletes balance athletic, academic, and
personal needs through Learned Needs Theory. Journal of Research Initiatives,
7(2), Article 4.
Stead, R., & Neville, M. (2010). The impact of physical education and sports participation
on academic performance. International Journal of Learning.
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