There is an old saying that the word 'student' comes first in student athlete. I am a firm believer in this. Players cannot be counted on in athletics if they are not taking care of their grades. We will encourage kids that just passing their classes is not enough. Players will be influenced to be in the top of their class when it comes to academics because college is a real possibility for people with good grades. A very small percentage of kids will get a scholarship to play sports in college. Many more can go to college with a scholarship just for having great grades. Athletes will be encouraged to sign up for and take the ACT and/or SAT. Players will be given dates of tests and tips and tricks for each test. Our goal is to not only have every athlete pass their classes, but to have every athlete graduate high school with the ability to go to college if they should choose to do so.

Weekly Grade Checks

In our program effort in the classroom will be of utmost importance. Players will be required to turn in assignments to avoid zeros. Obtaining a zero on an assignment means that the player did not put forth any effort towards that assignment. Coaches will check grades weekly not just to see if students are passing but to see how many zeros they have. Punishment will be handed out for lack of effort in the classroom. During these weekly checks coaches will discuss with players their progress and develop a plan for them to get better in the classroom. These weekly grade checks will continue throughout the year to show the emphasis of academics. We do not want our players to focus on the classroom only during the season. It is a year round commitment.

Accountability Teams

Our program will be built on accountability. Holding players and coaches to a certain standard is an important part of having a successful program. People tend to do a better job when they know they will be held accountable for their work or lack their of. When it comes to academics accountability is very helpful in students maintaining their grades and completing assignments. During the fall semester athletes will be on grade check teams based primarily on their position group. In the spring semester we will transition to using our accountability team model. Each team will have a coach to serve as a mentor and to check grades for them. Teams will also have a leader of the team that will be a player. The leaders will be chosen by the coaches and then the leaders will select their teams. Points will be awarded or taken away based on 4 categories: Attendance, Discipline, Grades, & Effort. Every 3 weeks we will have a winning team that will receive a reward such as pizza lunch, or less conditioning. Each week coaches will award points for all categories except for grades. Grades will awarded/deducted points once every 3 weeks. Leaders will be encouraged to select their teammates wisely. Accountability teams is a chance for players that excel in academics to flourish even though they may not be the best athlete.

Academic Goals

1. All athletes to stay on pace for graduation

   • Athletes must pass their classes to play and to graduate

2. Decrease in number of students failing each week during the season

   • This also means a decrease in the number of zeros

3. Build team unity through accountability teams

   • Holding your teammates accountable to their grades and effort

4. Encourage all students to take the ACT/SAT

   • College is a possibility but you have to prepare