From early-morning practices to late-night homework, student-athletes live a life of dedication and determination. Being involved in a time-consuming sport and juggling school life all at the same time can be a lot for an eighth-grade student. Being a student athlete allows scholars to maintain academic performance while committing 20+ hours per week to training, travel, and competition. It applies goal-setting, feedback, and continuous improvement strategies both on the stage and in the classroom, which is very healthy for a young mind. 

Being active outside of a classroom is one of the healthiest and most enjoyable ways a child can grow up. Sports help improve goal-setting, receiving constructive criticism, and overcoming challenges in a way they genuinely enjoy. When a child has something to look forward to throughout the week, such as a sport, they are more likely to stay focused in school and work harder to keep their grades up. Many teams also require students to maintain a certain grade point average to be able to participate in the sport, which motivates students to succeed academically. 

Overall, being a student athlete has many positive outcomes. Since athletes must balance academics and competitions, they develop strong time management and organizational skills. Maintaining good grades and participating in sports lead to better academic performance and effort. Additionally, the perseverance, discipline, and teamwork learned through sports help students grow up to be more successful, responsible, and confident individuals. As a result, being a student athlete not only supports academic excellence but also prepares students for the challenges they will face in the future.