How to manage time as a student athlete

If you love competing in athletics and want to continue in college, now’s the time to explore how you can succeed both as a student and college athlete. Developing time management skills during your freshman year will be an important key to your success as you transition from high school. You will need these skills as a collegiate athlete whether you compete at a college or university in NCAA Division III or at Division I or II programs that offer athletic scholarships. Student-athletes are expected to maintain their standing as a full-time college student, taking at least 12 credit hours per semester. 

Why is time management important for athletes? 

Depending on your college sport and the NCAA division associated with your school, you’ll most likely spend a considerable amount of time practicing, traveling and competing with your team. If you’re considering a Division III institution, like North Central College in Naperville, Ill., your academic studies will receive a high priority, alongside your athletic participation. One of the key statements of NCAA Division III college athletics philosophy is this: “Assure that student-athletes are supported in their efforts to meaningfully participate in nonathletic pursuits to enhance their overall educational experience.”

Remember that Division III schools are unable to offer scholarships for athletics, but you’ll be eligible for financial aid, grants and academic scholarships like all other students. 

Prioritize your time

You’ll need to come up with a plan to practice good time management skills if you want to get the most out of your educational experience. Remember, your first priority of going to college and embarking on an academic journey is to obtain your degree. And you don’t want to endanger your athletic eligibility with a low grade point average.

“The biggest challenge will be prioritizing your time,” said James Kluckhohn, assistant director in the athletics department at North Central College. “That means determining what is important to you and not getting distracted and spending time—at least too much—on things that are not among your priorities.”

Consider creating a weekly calendar to manage your busy schedule, making notes of class times, study time, upcoming assignments, tests and team practice/competition each day. Seeing deadlines for homework assignments can help you set up a study schedule and decide which assignments are most urgent. Calendars and planners are one of the best methods for keeping yourself organized and staying on top of your priorities. And make sure you plan ahead to wisely use your travel time going to competitions. 

Once you visualize your priorities and know your athletic commitments, look at how much time you have left for extracurricular activities, your social life and sleep! A student athlete’s mental health and physical health should always be high priorities.

Choosing your class times

When you meet with your academic advisor, make sure you build your class schedule around your practice schedule before your register.  

“College coaches schedule practices at times when teams will have the least conflicts with academic schedules,” said Kluckhohn. “It’s not possible to avoid all academic conflicts with practice schedules and when those arise, academics take priority (at North Central College).”

Find an accountability partner/study buddy

Try to partner up with a member of your team to study together. Just as you might find someone to run training miles with you or for a workout in the gym, find a study partner. They’ll probably share a similar schedule and understand the challenges of being a college student athlete. 

Some teams offer evening study hall or study tables with tutors. Take advantage of these opportunities to focus your time and attention on your school work and to have access to help and advice when you need it. There is often an academic counselor available during these sessions to keep you on track. 

As you visit schools as a high school athlete, ask your future head coach during the recruiting process about their commitment to academic support and how to be a successful student athlete.