Sports are an important part of many students’ daily lives. Many students participate in sports, either through the school or other programs. They can help introduce students to new experiences and skills, but how do they impact their academic performance?
A common misconception is that sports negatively impact students’ academic performance. Gabriella Herzberg is a junior who participates in softball, basketball, and volleyball. Sports are a huge part of her life, and she enjoys being a part of them. In contrast to this, Herzberg states, “For me it’s hard trying to stay on top of my grades due to how busy I am, but my teachers always help out if I start to fall behind.”
A huge benefit to playing a sport is increased concentration and cognitive resources. Any exercise increases blood flow and builds connections between nerves. Which, in conclusion, leads to increased concentration and staying engaged, as well as collecting presented information and holding onto it more easily. This leads to better grades, test scores, and better academic performance. For example, during the varsity girls basketball season, while they were hard at work, they managed to achieve the BCAM Academic TEAM All-state award with an average 3.9 GPA.
Colton Gray is a sophomore who participates in football, basketball, and baseball. He finds that school is decently easy and gets his work done while in the classroom. While he is in season, he is more energetic and feels better as a whole. Gray adds, “With team bonding, you develop better connections with your friends and coaches, especially if you’re winning games, you just have a better time.”
According to an article published by the University of Bridgeport, “Engaging in physical activity and sports is a great way to stay in shape and achieve an overall healthy lifestyle—not to mention the social benefits as individuals develop connections and bonds with their teammates and coaches.”
Sports can be essential for teenagers, they can increase activity levels, fitness, and overall happiness. To participate in sports, students are required to keep their grades up, which is a great motivation for most and increases grades in athletes, so they can continue to play.
Sports play a vital role in the lives of students, not only providing an outlet for physical activity but also fostering academic success and personal growth. Sports can extend past the playing field, enhancing concentration, teamwork, and motivation to excel in academics.
