If student-athletes don't perform well on tests or complete homework on time, they won't be able to compete in games. Sports give students the extra drive to do well because good grades are what keep student-athletes competing. In a pilot study at the University of Connecticut, Danielle Tower found some students are motivated to to perform well academically to continue playing and some students put pressure on themselves to maintain high academic success. Rather than sit on the sidelines during a game, a student-athlete wants to keep her grades up so she can work with her teammates.
Student-athletes do not want to let their teammates, coaches, parents and teachers down, so they strive to do well. Students involved in team sports are reliant on each other to succeed. Just as a goalie wants to stop every shot to help his team win, a tenth grader wants to score well on a history test to make her parents proud. The attitude to work together, to remain competitive and to succeed begins on the field and moves into the classroom.
Sports make students feel like a part of their school's community. A 2003 article published in the "Journal of Social Issues" found student-athletes and those in other extracurricular activities have a stronger emotional and social connection to their school, which can lead to higher grades and higher educational aspirations. Student-athletes want to maintain this connection, which they can do by playing sports and by maintaining good grades.
Although participation in school sports has its benefits, there may be negative effects of time spent away from textbooks. An article published in "The Sports Journal" found that student-athletes can be confused with their roles -- as either a student or as an athlete -- which can cause grades to suffer. Students need the motivation to continue dedicating time to their studies and not just to sports. When students are clear on their roles, they can flourish. This study also found grade point averages soared among college students during the sport season when they knew how to balance their time.