Introduction

College athletics are reportedly removed from academic achievements, but this statement might be argued. Recent research shows that athletics highlight athletic success more than academic success. That is why athletics at the college promotes academic success, participation in standardized tests, and higher academic rates by developing essential skills, encouraging competitions, and providing students with more opportunities for the future.

Athletics as an Encouraging Factor for Students

Athletics at the college is not a distracting factor for academic success; it might encourage students to study harder, as it develops different essential skills and increases college graduation rates. According to a study by the NCAA (2022), student-athletes are graduating at record rates. For instance, in 2022, it was reported that the student-athlete graduation rate was 90% among Division I students and 74% for Division II (NCAA, 2022). These rates illustrate that students who continue doing sports at the college level are strong enough in athletics and study. Athletic success at the College of Ohio is seen due to higher graduation rates and scores on standardized tests (Bowen & Greene, n. d). The NCAA report is a valuable source, proving that student-athletes have high graduation rates at college. The study on Ohio College emphasizes the connection between positive academic achievement and athletic success. However, some people may state that college athletes get special treatment, resulting in achieving academic success. The provided research proves otherwise – high school and college athletes are given no preferred treatment and face the same academic standards as others.

Promotion of Valuable Skills with the Help of Athletics

College athletics promotes valuable skills for students, making them more resistant, and the difference between academic success and non-athletes is tiny (John et al., 2013). By participating in school athletics, students learn how to work in a team, become more disciplined, and learn new skills, such as time management, which help them to achieve academic success (Matheson, 2007). These skills are further developed in college athletics and help athletes to avoid gaps during their studies. The NCAA study supports the positive connection between athletic and leadership skills. In addition, a study conducted by John J. McArdle, Thomas S. Paskus, and Steven M. Boker illustrated that NCAA student-athletes had similar academic performances as their non-athlete peers. Athletics may be too overwhelming, and it might be challenging to combine study and sport. As a result, this may lead to burnout. Nevertheless, the studies used above did not find such reposts or evidence.