Student Athletes...The Backup Plan

Photo Credit: Basketballforever Instagram

As a former student athlete, I understand the challenges that are associated with maintaining classwork and maintaining your jump-shot. Before I began high school, I knew I wanted to attend college more than I wanted a scholarship to play college basketball. So I replaced my basketball in exchange for college prep books and classes. I graduated from high school with a 3.4 GPA and went on to graduate from college with a 3.1 GPA.

The mindset and overall goal of most student athletes is of course to one day go pro. Most coaches and teachers encourage student athletes to keep their grades up to get a full athletic scholarship. However, it's a good idea to encourage student athletes to be more than athletes. Encourage them and teach them to be a role model and consider becoming a doctor, lawyer, business man/woman, or nurse. This will not only broaden their mindset, but it will broaden their horizon. Career ending injuries can occur and it's a good idea to have a backup plan.