Everything You Need to Know About Being a Student-Athlete

Student-athletes storm onto fields and courts, cheering loudly for their schools and representing them in their chosen sport. They bring the razzle dazzle and excitement to sporting events, not only contributing to the athletic culture of their institution but also developing lasting friendships and connections with teammates while experiencing tremendous growth. Here’s the ultimate guide for student-athletes, including what the biggest benefits of being one are and how a busy student-athlete can best juggle practice and academic commitments.

What Is a Student-Athlete?

A student-athlete participates in a competitive sport at their college or university while also being a full-time student. They attend practices and team events, competing against other teams at the collegiate level. Universities value athletes because they bring talent and drive to their teams, boosting both school spirit and community pride. To attract top-tier talent, universities regularly invest in scholarships for prospective student-athletes who are considering attending college. In return, the student-athletes are responsible for maintaining a certain GPA and following their school’s honor code.

What Are the Benefits of Being a Student-Athlete?

Being a student-athlete offers a wide range of benefits, both on and off the field or court. After graduating high school, it can be challenging to have to leave a sport you love playing, but you don’t have to if you continue competing while in college. Continuing the camaraderie with teammates and coaches can increase your confidence and social skills, along with general life skills like leadership, communication, time management, work ethic, goal setting, and the ability to perform under pressure. These skills will be useful for your future career.

The friendships you make with your teammates can help ease the adjustment into young adulthood and college. Through the ups and downs of victories and defeats, going through challenging practices, traveling together, and managing classes in between, you can bond with your teammates and support each other in a deeper, more meaningful way. The chance to represent your school can give you a greater sense of pride in your abilities, reinforcing the collective identity you’re a part of.

There are numerous financial benefits uniquely available to student-athletes in the form of scholarships, decreased living expenses, additional allowances and financial aid opportunities, and grants. Besides these more traditional benefits, student-athletes get access to academic support, such as tutors and peer mentors. This support can help them stay on track to graduate even with a busy schedule.

What Makes a Great Student-Athlete?

The characteristics of a good student-athlete include a strong work ethic, the ability to maintain good grades and complete their work on time, the ability to manage their time wisely by balancing their schoolwork with the demands of the team they’re on, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Student-athletes often have to deal with both wins and losses, so they need to have the resilience to be prepared to roll with the punches and bounce back even stronger after a defeat.

Student-athletes must be simultaneously committed to their particular role on the team, recognizing that their teammates are counting on them, and to their academic careers. This requires true discipline and motivation, along with a passion for their chosen sport. That passion is what fuels self-motivation, which enables athletes to continue pushing through challenging days and get to the finish line.

Positive thinking is also key for student-athletes. Teamwork requires everyone to support each other and not just play for themselves but for the common good. A positive mindset can go a long way in helping the team win while keeping everyone in good spirits.

Tips for Succeeding as a Student-Athlete

Being a student-athlete can be challenging; student-athletes are responsible for maintaining their academics, but they also have their athletic performance to think about. If you have what it takes to compete at the collegiate level, you may find that you have one foot in your sport and the other in the classroom.

If you’re a student-athlete or are interested in becoming one, you can set yourself up for success by establishing a routine for yourself. A weekly schedule can help you manage your deadlines and set reminders for yourself so you can prepare for both the big game and the important exam. Time management is key for student-athletes to complete their work quickly and efficiently. By prioritizing your time, you’ll be more prepared.

Consider also writing down your goals in a digital or physical planner so they’re easier to track. This makes it easier for you to adjust your schedule as needed. If your professors aren’t already aware of your student-athlete status, introduce yourself and let them know. While you’ll still be held to the same standards as other students, this ensures they’re at least aware of your commitments and can be a little more accommodating when you have a game day and might need to miss class.

Make the most of campus resources designed to help you succeed academically. If you’re falling behind in a class, don’t wait to reach out for extra help. Meet with your advisor regularly to ensure you’re on the right track and are reaching your academic and career goals.

Discover Student-Athlete Opportunities at Regent University

Are you a prospective student-athlete looking for opportunities to showcase your skills, develop valuable life skills, and find a strong community of like-minded, talented individuals? Become a Regent Royal! We currently offer 10 NCCAA Division I sports teams, including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, track and field, and volleyball, with plans for baseball beginning in the 2025–26 season.

Recently, Regent University joined the Coast-To-Coast Athletic Conference and is on track to become a full NCAA Division III member. In September, Regent unveiled plans for a brand-new, 31-acre sports complex, to include an athletic and fitness center, NCAA basketball and volleyball courts, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, a soccer field, outdoor track and field, and more.

Student-athletes at Regent have access to an array of skilled coaches who work hard to help them further their academic and athletic careers and become Christian leaders to change the sports world. Learn more about Regent University’s student-athlete culture at regentroyals.com and explore our beautiful campus, ranked among the best college campuses in America.