Balancing athletics and academics can be a challenge for many young athletes. Garrett Keith, a well-seasoned strength coach at Westminster Christian Academy (Al.), brings a unique perspective on the issue. With over 17 years of experience in high school athletics and strength and conditioning, Keith understands the importance of developing well-rounded individuals. He sheds a light on the delicate balance of helping students succeed in both athletics and academics.
“I actually had an email today from a parent who has an eighth-grade boy who is struggling academically right now,” Keith says. “And he thinks, ‘Why does it matter? I’m going to go pro.'”
Unfortunately, students in today’s sports-centric culture can still be unaware of the the immense talent and effort it takes to reach professional-level athletics. A common mistake among young athletes is allowing the allure of professional sports to overshadow the hard work needed to get there. Young athletes can be overconfident in their abilities, neglecting where their current priorities should lie. For many young athletes, the dream of professional sports can outweigh their educational priorities.
“But I’ve also got kids that sometimes don’t take it seriously enough,” Keith says. “Kids that could develop themselves a little bit better and enjoy it a little bit more.”
Keith points out the critical issue with these cases: the extremes. On one end, there are students like the eighth-grader, with unwavering expectations of going pro. On the other end, there are those who don’t take their own athletic potential seriously enough. Both leading students to undercut their true potential. One pays at the expense of their academic performance and the other misses opportunities to develop their skills further.
It can be challenging to inspire students to reach their full potential, in both sports and academics. According to Keith, the fear of failure prevents many students from fully committing to their potential. This fear, coupled with a lack of understanding of the talent and opportunities available at various collegiate levels can hinder their focus on personal growth and development. Many students can be caught off-guard by the shift from high school to college athletics and the strong competition waiting for them there.
Keith emphasizes the role of strength and conditioning coaches, and high school coaches in general, in bridging this gap. He believes it’s important for coaches to keep their athletes prepared for what to expect at the next level. Developing strong relationships with athletes is crucial, guiding them not only in their physical development but also in understanding how to be better versions of themselves.
“High school sports are really about developing the person and teaching lessons and helping them learn things about themselves, so that they can be become better humans,” says Keith. “Because no matter how great they are, we all know that the sports are going to come to an end at some point. But the lessons are going to stick for a lifetime, and that’s what has been so special to me about sports.”
Sports have played a vital role in Coach Keith’s life. He credits his own personal transformation to coaches who cared about him as a person first, rather than just as an athlete. These experiences drove him to pursue a career in strength and conditioning and shaped his own coaching philosophy.
Keith’s perspective offers another reminder that high school sports, at their core, are about much more than just winning games. They are about shaping young individuals into better humans, equipping them with life lessons that endure long after their sports careers end. His message advocates for a balanced approach toward the development of people, not just athletes. Ensuring a holistic approach toward mentoring the leaders of tomorrow.
