As a recruit, you know grades are important. But did you know that academics are so crucial that they can make or break your chances of playing a sport at the college level? It can be easy to let your grades fall to the wayside during the chaos of the recruiting process, but college  coaches are looking for a competitive spirit both on the field and in the classroom–and while coaches mainly are on the lookout for athletic ability, academics can be just as important when it comes to obtaining the best offers possible. Here are a few reasons why grades should be a priority during your recruiting process:

Academic Eligibility

Athletes can be recruited by coaches, but they also have to first be admitted into the college. Being consistent and determined in your academics can also show coaches that you can accomplish what you put your mind to. By maintaining your transcripts, it shows coaches that you are dependable and can put in the work. The best coaches care more about their players as students than their performance on the field, and if coaches are trying to choose between two athletes, chances are they will pick the one that has more academic achievements. 

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Mental Aspects of Sports

Coaches are on the hunt for players who can adapt quickly and understand the ins and outs of their playbook and students with good grades demonstrate the ability to do so, which is a valuable asset to a team and to coaches. In sports, there is something that is called game intelligence, which is a player's ability to assess situations and make decisions under pressure. Between studying film and game strategies, college athletes must also study their opponent. Academic success can show coaches that you are willing to learn.

Related: 5 Reasons Grades are Important as an Athletic Recruit

Scholarships

Having good grades can pay off for college athletes – literally! Showing coaches that you are serious about joining their program by having high marks means they will be more willing to commit to you and offer scholarship money. With good grades, you are only increasing your chances of getting scholarship offers,  but if you have poor grades, you run the risk of jeopardizing your chance for financial aid. 

While you do not have to have the top grades in your class, you should be able to show coaches that you are more than just a talented athlete. Your academics play a major role in the recruiting process and throughout your time in college. So give it your all both on the field and in the classroom!

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* Originally published on November 28, 2022, by Kelly Wick