There is no definitive answer – some studies suggest that athletes may have better academic performance due to their discipline and time-management skills, but others suggest there is no significant correlation.
More detailed answer to your question
According to some studies, athletes may have certain qualities that give them an advantage in academic performance. The discipline and time-management skills required in athletics can transfer over to their studies. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching found that “participation in college athletics was associated with greater academic achievement, particularly among African American student-athletes.”
However, not all studies have found a significant correlation between sports and academic performance. A study published in the Journal of Sports Economics found that “participation in high school sports had no effect on later academic outcomes such as likelihood of attending college, college GPA, or likelihood of graduating from college.”
It’s worth noting that athletes often have to balance a heavy workload of both athletics and academics, which can be challenging but also fosters strong time-management skills. As former Olympic swimmer Summer Sanders said, “As a student-athlete, you’re constantly juggling your sport and schoolwork. But this skill set translates to all aspects of life. In order to succeed, you need to have good time-management skills, dedication, and persistence.”
Here are some interesting facts on the topic:
- A survey by the NCAA found that student-athletes had a higher graduation rate than non-athletes (88% vs 61%).
- A study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health found that participation in sports was associated with improved mental health in children and adolescents.
- A study published in the Journal of School Health found that student-athletes were less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as drug and alcohol use.
- According to a report by the Aspen Institute, participation in sports can have long-term benefits such as improved physical health and higher earning potential.
Here is a table comparing the pros and cons of being a student-athlete:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong time-management and discipline | Heavy workload can be overwhelming |
| Improved mental health and well-being | Potential for injuries or burnout |
| Opportunity for college scholarships | Less time for socializing or extracurricular activities |
| Improved physical health and fitness | Pressure to perform well both academically and athletically |
| Transferable skills for future success | Limited time for internships or job opportunities |
Video response to “Do athletes make better students?”
The video “Do athletes make better employees?” suggests that athletes possess qualities that make them great employees. These include a performance-driven attitude, teamwork and loyalty, resilience, and diversity. Athletes understand the importance of individual contributions and working with others to achieve success, which could translate to successful work performance.
Further answers can be found here
Studies have shown a direct correlation between physical activity and academic p erformance. A University of Kansas study looking at the performance of students in grades 9 to 12 showed that more than 97% of student athletes graduated high school, 10% higher than those students who had never participated in sports.
All in all, the Dolphins believe that sports and academics go together. Studies have consistently demonstrated that physically active people are not only healthier but also perform better on tests of cerebral or intellectual ability.
Participating in high school athletics has long-lasting, definitive benefits, especially when athletic leaders create an environment that challenges and rewards the growth mindset. When participants are supported in this way, they develop lifelong habits that transcend high school.
Surely you will be interested
Several research studies indicate that, on the average, physically fit students perform better on standardized tests than students in less-than-ideal physical shape.
Playing a sport requires a lot of time and energy. Some people may think this would distract student-athletes from schoolwork. However, the opposite is true. Sports require memorization, repetition and learning — skillsets that are directly relevant to class work.