College Gameplan: Graduation, Definitely Look Into Doing It

Chris Rotolo

Despite what most student-athletes may tell you, not all of them go to college with graduation as their top priority. For the 7 footer that dominates the paint and knows a large sum of money is in his future, graduation can wait. However, as the official NCAA commercial clearly states, “There are about 380,000 student-athletes, and just about every one of them will be going pro in something other than sports.” Thus, if you do not start at center for the Tar Heels of North Carolina, and the Georgia Bulldogs have not penciled you in at running back, you really need to put your focus on graduation.

Realistically speaking, sometimes the rigors of training, practicing, and developing your skills will cut into your school work. For the student-athlete who does not seek help, this situation could potentially snowball into a problem and your coaches know this. That is why they will offer their players help through academic programs. In big time D1 schools these programs may consist of personal tutors and academic advisors that will be on your case, making sure your work gets done. At smaller schools, help may consist of tutors and advisors but could be something as simple as a team study hall. To be a success on the field and in the classroom you really need to take advantage of team academic programs, no matter what those programs may be.

The RateTheCoach Team has developed a small list of things to keep in mind that, if done, will keep you on the fast track to graduation.

Academics Come First:

The hardest thing for a student-athlete to comprehend is that undoubtedly and without question your academics must come first. Will your coach be upset if you miss a practice because you have to do work? For a little while. But better a practice than a game, or worse, the season, because of academic ineligibility.

Note: During the season, look at your class syllabi, and complete work ahead of time. This will ensure that you will not miss any athletic events, you will not have any missing class work, and your coach will not get mad at you.

Get To Every Class:

You have to be a mail carrier, meaning, rain, nor sleet, nor dark of night will keep you from class. It’s imperative to your success as a student-athlete to make it to every class you possibly can. I say this because one of the perks/downfalls of being a student-athlete is that you will miss class due to games. Valuable information will be forever lost while you are on the playing field. Therefore, you can not let it be lost because you could not wake up on time. The postal service has national holidays, the student-athlete has games, hence, be a mail carrier.

Meet With Professors Regularly:

You need to have a good relationship with your professors for three reasons. The first is extra help. Missing class during the season will put you behind. If you are on good terms with a professor they are more willing to be lenient with due dates and will provide you with extra help if you seek it (please do seek it). Second, professors do not like when students miss their classes. If you have a good relationship with your professors they can be more understanding to your situation.

Note: You get your athletic season schedule early. Make copies for all of your professors. Highlight the dates you will be missing their class on the schedule and give it to them. Also, remember, professors have to deal with a lot of things. Chances are they will not remember the dates you have highlighted. A few days before the game, remind them again that you will be missing class.

Finally, after graduation, the job search begins. It always helps to have a letter of recommendation from some of your college professors. In order to write you a letter your professors need to know who you are, so meet with them regularly.

Meet With Your Academic Advisor Regularly:

Your advisor is basically a glorified guidance counselor. They record all of the classes you take, how many credits you have earned, etc. They will be able to point you in the right direction on your path to graduation.

Once Again, Take Advantage Of The Academic Programs Offered By Your Coach.