Academics

Anyone who has played collegiate athletics will tell you there is no comparison between high school and college from a competition standpoint but also academics.  Balancing athletics and academics can become a rather tough task especially during the season.  Going to class is half the battle but going to class, paying attention, and taking notes are what separates the average student-athlete and the above average student-athlete.  A coach once told me, "the player who works hard in the classroom is the same kid that works hard on the field."