7 Ways Online School Makes Being a Student-Athlete Easier

Sometimes, being a student athlete can feel like a mixed blessing. On the one hand, you have the opportunity to practice your God-given talent. On the other hand, the stress of coordinating your practices, competitions, and travels with the other parts of your life can be pretty intense.

In order to maintain a high level of athletic performance in any sphere of athletics (e.g., soccer, running, gymnastics, skateboarding, BMX, motocross, etc.), students need the flexibility to practice throughout the year, which involves lots of traveling, whether it be due to weather conditions or getting acclimated to a certain environment prior to the big event.

 In addition to traveling, being a student athlete often means finding it difficult to manage in-class studies with the practice it takes to maintain a high level of performance and skill. In these circumstances, either the student-athlete’s athletic or academic performance will typically begin to plateau—something neither parents nor student-athletes intend; managing traditional classroom study and exercising top amateur-athlete potential is an unceasing tug-of-war.

I personally know how it goes. As a former motocross rider who traveled around the U.S. during all four seasons, I found myself in the messiness of transferring schools, and missing classes for big events. I even missed my graduation!

The benefits of online studies are numerous for serious and devoted parents, and for those invested in being a student athlete:

• Curriculum that is accessible. The ability to have all of your curriculum and assignments accessible 24-7 (e.g., daily work, quizzes, and tests) is invaluable! Now you don’t have to worry about missing school, because school is wherever and whenever you need it to be.

• No stress about falling behind. Wherever the next practice site and/or major competitions take you, student athletes are free to travel without the stresses of falling behind in the classroom, which is most conducive to reaching top academic and athletic potential—no more tug-of-war. 

• Flexibility in your assignment schedule. The flexibility to work ahead is extremely valuable. A busy weekend of competition might give reason to move an assignment or two ahead in order to provide maximum mental and physical focus throughout an event. 

• Ability to personalize coursework. Personalization of courses to fit the student athlete’s present circumstances, without diminishing the student’s academic development and excellence, makes for a positive learning environment. 

• Choices in electives. Being a student athlete doesn’t mean having only one talent. Many student athletes have diverse interests beyond their sport. Having a wide range of electives to choose from gives you the opportunity to explore your other interests. 

• Access to online instructors. Easy access to online instructors throughout the week alleviates the teacher-athlete disconnect due to travels. No more waiting to connect with a teacher when you get home! 

• Support from teachers. Teachers committed to supporting students in an organic manner, providing specific feedback in order to aid each student’s strengths and weaknesses ensures top academic potential.

In Paul’s epistle to the believers at Colossae, he gives an overarching principle as he concludes his exhortation regarding the imperative to put on the new self. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (English Standard Version, 3:17). By way of the relative marker, Paul communicates that whatever the redeemed image bearer might do, it is to be done according to the standard of Christ while giving thanks to the Father.

Put into the student athlete’s context: whatever athletic pursuit and academic endeavor you might do, do it according to the person of the Son, while giving thanks to the Father through the Son. An online Christian education with Enlightium Academy strives for that end—honoring Christ in all spheres of life.

If you are looking for a form of education that supplements the rigors of athletics, take a look at what Enlightium Academy has to offer. Enlightium Academy not only provides superb academic support and material, but also provides a Christian worldview that aims to strengthen the student athlete in all spheres of life, including the ups-and-downs of sports!