Atheltic mark on academics

It is clear that the majority of student athletes at Samo reap benefits from their dual participation in both academics and athletics. The high ethical standards outlined to them by the athletic programs, the dedication necessary to practice and compete and the motivation instilled in the students to work hard allows them to become well-rounded individuals. Teamwork has become an important factor in athletics. Athletes learn to work with other players within their team, and teammates are able to build a bond with one another. The players push each other to achieve their goals during practice and games.  Samo Athletic Director Evan Fujinaga, Samo’s athletics director, believes that teamwork is a very important factor when playing the game.  “[It is crucial to learn] the basics of teamwork, not only what it is, but the importance it brings in learning to work together and sacrificing for the sake of the whole,” Fujinaga said. Because teamwork is often applied in classrooms, athletes who play in teams daily will have an advantage when working in groups. In addition to this, the sports program allows athletes to have a goal, whether it be to score a winning point or to become a team captain. With the full support of a dedicated team and coaches, it is easy to motivate oneself to perform well. Another way that the sports program benefits a student’s academic performance is the minimum GPA needed to participate on all Samo athletic teams. This gives them motivation to do well in school and confront time management issues. Furthermore, it encourages students to become independent and create a structure to their lives so that they can navigate school and sports successfully.  Many students, like Isaiah Godlock (‘22), who participates on a rowing team outside of school, believes that the communication that is needed in sports improves their performance in the classroom as well.  “The environment in the classroom consist of independent thinkers rather than a whole team having to work as one. However, athletics include teamwork and communication, whether it be verbal or physical, everyone plays a part,” Godlock said.  As communication is improved through athletics, many student-athletes can easily translate those acquired skills to the classroom, where conveying information to teachers and classmates is vital. Along with improved communication, school sports offer athletes a form of tough love that academics cannot teach. Athletic coaches are tough and strict because they want students to continue to improve. The competitive games that athletes play allow them to deal with authority. When a player is struggling with an aspect of their sport, coaches learn to search for ways to improve the player. Athletes are then able to take into account the instructions given by their coaches in order to overcome an obstacle.  School sports also give opportunities for students to be ambitious and healthy. Samo Principal Antonio Shelton explained how extracurricular activities, such as sports, create the focused mindset found in many student athletes. “I think the structure, dedication and mindset creates a focused individual, who then is task oriented. The student and athlete balances the life at the same time to achieve the goals of their extracurricular activities,” Shelton said. As athletes at Samo focus on staying healthy and performing well in their sport, their brains will release endorphins, a happiness booster for the human body. According to Growth Engineering, a team of research-backed learning experts, this neurotransmitter has been linked to improving students’ study habits and ability to stay focused in class, . Overall, the sports programs have a positive impact on academics and students, as student athletes gain many important life skills because of the influence of sports. The teamwork, improvement and health that comes with athletics all contributes to academic success.