How Athletics Build Smarter, Stronger Students: From Practice to Progress

Dr. Lance K. Reed

By Dr. Lance K. Reed

When people talk about student success, they often focus on grades, test scores, or curriculum. But from my years in education—and through my dissertation research—I know another major factor often gets overlooked: athletics.

This post isn’t about Friday night lights or championship trophies. It’s about how consistent participation in sports—whether it’s football, cheer, track, or cross-country—transforms how students show up academically. Not just in motivation, but in measurable cognitive growth, emotional control, and life habits that matter far beyond the game.

Movement as a Learning Accelerator

What happens on the practice field doesn’t stay there. Daily physical exertion enhances oxygen flow to the brain, builds neural connections, and improves executive functioning—especially for students who struggle in traditional settings. Athletes are practicing sustained focus and rapid decision-making every day, which carries directly into math, reading, and science performance.

That’s not just theory. My dissertation findings confirmed it: students involved in athletics showed greater academic consistency and fewer discipline referrals compared to non-participants.

The Discipline of Time

One of the most underrated academic strengths student-athletes build is time management. Balancing school, practice, and games forces students to prioritize, plan, and follow through. Many of the students I worked with said being in sports made them better students—because they couldn’t afford to procrastinate.

This daily discipline isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative.

Emotional Control: A Hidden Classroom Skill

Academic success isn’t just about intelligence—it’s about regulation. Sports teach students how to process failure, stay composed under pressure, and bounce back from setbacks.

Whether it’s a missed shot in a game or a low score on a quiz, students with athletic experience are often more resilient, more adaptable, and less likely to disengage. That’s a skill set every classroom benefits from.

Leadership in Action

Athletics also build leaders. On the field or court, students learn to take responsibility, support teammates, and make decisions quickly. In school, these same students are more likely to take initiative in group projects, speak up in class, and serve as peer mentors.

These aren’t just “soft skills”—they’re life skills.

What Schools Can Do Now

Here are a few simple steps school leaders can take to build on the benefits of athletics for academic success:

Schedule smarter: Use practice calendars as examples to teach time management to all students. Make the connection: Help students understand the brain-body link by teaching the science behind movement and focus. Promote inclusion: Encourage participation across all ability levels—not just elite athletes. Extend support: Use tutoring, recovery zones, and mentoring programs modeled after athletics to support all students.

Final Thought: Sports as Academic Fuel

Athletics aren’t just an after-school activity—they’re a foundation for success. They create structure, build confidence, and develop the kinds of cognitive and emotional habits students need to thrive in every part of life.

It’s time we stop calling athletics “extracurricular.”

They’re essential.

Dr. Lance K. Reed

Researcher/Student Engagement Advocate

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Published by Dr. Lance K. Reed

I am the son of two dedicated educators, and growing up I vowed never to follow in their footsteps. Instead, I pursued football, earning a scholarship to Louisiana Tech University where I had the privilege of serving as captain of the football team. My college years were filled with both triumphs and challenges, but through perseverance I earned a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in English, along with coursework in computer programming. At graduation, I was confident that opportunities awaited a young Black male with leadership experience, academic discipline, and athletic credentials. However, the career path I envisioned did not immediately materialize. Instead, I was offered a position teaching high school mathematics, stepping into the shoes of a highly respected teacher in a neighboring community. What began as a one-year commitment evolved into a calling. After that year, I returned to Louisiana Tech to pursue a Master of Education in Secondary Mathematics, which became the foundation of my career in education. My journey then took me to Arlington, Texas, where I spent six years teaching math and coaching. During that time, I learned the importance of modeling excellence both inside and outside the classroom. I poured myself into teaching with the same intensity I brought to coaching, and I was fortunate to grow alongside skilled professionals who shaped my early philosophy as an educator and leader. The relationships and experiences I built during this period remain invaluable. The next chapter of my career brought me back home to Natchez, Mississippi, where I served as Head Football Coach and math teacher at Natchez High School—my alma mater. Coaching and teaching in my hometown was a dream realized. I dedicated myself to my school and community, and together we experienced tremendous growth in both academics and athletics. The memories we created and the success of my students and athletes, many of whom are now thriving as young adults, remain my greatest rewards. In 2014, I completed my dissertation and earned a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi. This milestone deepened my commitment to leadership in education. Today, I serve as the 9th Grade Principal and District Dropout Prevention Coordinator at South Panola High School in Batesville, Mississippi. Now in my fourth year in this role, I continue to learn, grow, and lead. My current platform allows me to share my experiences, advocate for students, and collaborate with colleagues on pressing educational challenges. Looking back, I see that my vow to avoid education was simply a detour to my true purpose. Each step of my journey has prepared me to influence lives, lead with integrity, and build systems that give students opportunities to thrive.

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