Becoming a better student-athlete

Perfect Performance Director of Football, Alameen Murphy at Stanford University.

​Being a student-athlete is a two part equation that asks you to excel both on the field and in the classroom. This comes with it’s fair share of challenges.

Oftentimes we see people prioritize the “athlete” aspect over the student. This is not a successful strategy in the short/long-term. It is important to create a good balance between school and athletics to be able to maximize your potential as a student-athlete. As some students are moving back to in-class teaching this is the perfect time to utilize the following tips. 
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• Time management 

Most students have a tough time balancing a social life and school. Student-athletes however must also balance athletics. It is not easy to manage this lifestyle; this is why scheduling and prior planning is important. Having a schedule that lets you know what you have planned for the day, week, or month is very helpful. Another useful technique is having an agenda that tracks all of your assignments and daily tasks. It is important for you to organize your life to help you know where and when you need to be putting your time and energy. Once you master time management you will start to see huge improvements in both your academics and athletics.

• A-seats

For those ushering back into in-person learning and it is important to make sure you are sitting in the “A-Seats.” An old coach of mine once told me to make sure I am always sitting in the A-seats my first year of college and it was perhaps the best advice I received as a student. The A-seats are the front rows of the classroom in the sight line of your teachers. They are called the A-seats because it is believed sitting in the front of the class increases your chances of getting an A in the class. Sitting in these seats accomplishes two things: 
(1) you will be less distracted being in the front of the class. 
(2) it is easier for your teacher to spot your good class habits.
Oftentimes we want to sit with our friends or in the back of the classroom but I challenge you all to sit in the front and watch your attentiveness and grades improve. 
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• Ask questions  & use extra resources 

The most important thing you can do to help you master class material is ask questions and seek extra help. Your teachers are there to help you succeed but they cannot help you if they do not know you need help. When the opportunity presents itself raise your hand and state your question. If your teacher does not allow questions in class then approach them after class or send an email to ask for assistance. Extra resources can include tutoring, online tutorials, or study sessions with your peers.
Excelling in the classroom is just as important as performing well on the field. Coaches are looking for someone who can add value to their team and handle the academic challenges that come with being a college athlete. 
 
If you are interested in understanding what college coaches are looking for and enhancing your chance to get recruited, then register for our free Perfect Performance virtual recruiting seminar March 14th, 2021. Our seminar will include information colleges evaluation periods, what coaches look for, unofficial vs official visits, and much more. Please use the link below to register. 
 
Link:
https://perfect-performancenova.leagueapps.com/events/2122702-pp-nova-football-virtual-recruiting-seminar
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