The student-athlete dilemma

A HEARTY congratulations to the University of the West Indies’ graduating class of 2023.

As I reflected on the accomplishments of our students this year, I note the varying journeys students take to get to their respective destinations: A challenging accomplishment for all students.

I, however, empathise significantly with the student athletes. Student athletes are superhumans as they have had to master the ability to manage their time!

Students must wake up very early to train for hours then make their way to classes, at times very tired, and having to satisfy the course requirement without any ‘special treatment’. These students are also involved in intramural, intercollegiate, national, and international competitions. This means they must travel during classes, and complete assignments with much less time available. I have seen student athletes make it to class with very little energy and struggle to stay alert.

Imagine, there are students going through this from the high-school level. How can they compete academically with non-athletes? Should they abandon their athletic dreams to acquire a degree? Should they give 100 per cent to their sport and focus on a degree much later in life? Can they do both? Well, they have, and they do. Let me reintroduce you to Mr Kai Chang, who, a few weeks ago graduated with honours from The University of the West Indies with a BSc Sport Kinetics (hons) degree.

He did this while training with world-class coach Mr Julian Robinson and competing internationally.

Throughout his last season, Kai consistently threw over 60 metres in the discus! He performed at a top level both in sport and academics. Kai now pursues a master’s degree while he continues his professional career. A real superhuman.

Similarly, Ms Lori Sharpe graduated with first-class honours from the BSc Sport Science programme, while competing as a professional cyclist in Europe. Many of our other students have done the same, while some may not be able to find that balance.

So, why do some excel in both athletics and academics?

According to Kress et al, 2019, student performance is usually based on the athlete’s objective. The athletes compared in this study are those who, independent of athletic pursuits, would target a university degree and those whose pursuit of a university degree is dependent on sport involvement. Athletes who appreciate the pursuit of a university degree independent of an athletic career perform significantly better academically.

Performing well in both athletics and academics also requires some support.

From the institutional level, accommodations should be made for students representing the institution. This could come in the form of facilitating athletes online, granting extensions for assignments as needed, or amending class start time to facilitate training.

All of this has been provided by the Faculty of Sport. It also requires that the coach and athlete support personnel are also aware of and facilitate the students’ academic pursuits.

Finally, and most importantly, it takes a committed and mature student athlete who understands the importance of both goals.

It is important that athletes consider pursuing higher education as a post-sport retirement plan.

An athlete’s professional career is often concluded before the age of 40, and having a sustainable lifestyle thereafter benefits from education. Athletes are also in an extremely competitive arena and may not succeed even with best efforts. We cannot fail to mention injuries that may put an end to an athlete’s professional career in an instant!

The journey of a student athlete is marked by exceptional dedication and resilience. It’s a balancing act that requires support from educational institutions, understanding from coaches, and a relentless commitment from the athletes themselves.

The stories of Chang and Sharpe, among others, are beacons of inspiration, proving that with the right support, one doesn’t have to choose between athletics and academics – both can be pursued with excellence.

As we look to the future, we anticipate further studies and innovations that will continue to enhance the student-athlete experience, ensuring that the next generation of student athletes can chase their dreams on the field and in the classroom with equal fervour.

Sport Pulse and Sport Matters are fortnightly columns, highlighting advances that impact Sport. We look forward to your continued readership. Dr Aldeam Facey is a lecturer and head of Mona Academy of Sport, Faculty of Sport, The UWI. He can be reached at aldeam.facey02@uwimona.edu.jm.