For young people, sport is sometimes an activity they enjoy in their free time and sometimes a strong passion they hope to turn into a profession. When sport becomes a professional goal, the athlete identity can gradually take over and the relationship with school can weaken. Yet being a student and being an athlete are two core processes that should run side by side in a young person's development.
Over time, these two areas become inseparable parts of the individual's identity and bring different responsibilities. In the sport psychology literature this is called a "dual career", and young people in this situation are described as "student-athletes".
Possible Consequences of Leaving Education Early
Although drifting away from school because of sport is seen as normal in some circles, this approach carries significant risks both for the individual and for society. Athletes who leave education early may face serious adjustment and transition problems in later years.
The sustainability of a professional sports career depends not only on physical performance but also on cognitive and psychosocial competencies such as problem solving, planning, self-regulation and social skills. A large part of these skills develops through academic settings.
In addition, a sports career can end earlier than expected because of injury or a decline in performance. In such cases, adjustment problems are more common among young people whose academic development has been neglected. For young athletes, education is therefore not just an alternative path; it is an essential complement that allows a sports career to be pursued in a healthy and secure way.
"Just Focus on Your Studies" Is Not the Answer Either
Exam pressure, especially during the transition to high school and university, can lead some parents to pull their children away from sport. Yet a sudden break from sport can create significant psychological risks for young people.
Sport is a powerful protective factor for stress regulation, emotional balance, self-confidence and a sense of belonging. Alongside these psychological benefits, it is also very important for physical health. When this structure suddenly disappears, it can lead to mood problems and identity confusion. Such a decision can also take away a talented young person's chance of a professional career and leave a disappointment that affects the rest of their life.
For this reason, focusing only on academic success and giving up sport completely is just as wrong as putting sport at the centre and neglecting education.
The Right Approach: Protecting the Student-Athlete Identity
The healthiest path is for young people to pursue school and sport as two areas of development that support each other rather than conflict. The goal is not to create an "either student or athlete" dilemma, but to build a strong student-athlete identity.
Time management in this process can be more demanding than for peers who do not play sport. Individual planning, keeping track of the academic workload and recovery (sleep, nutrition and rest) are therefore very important. However, the right balance is different for every athlete; it should be shaped by the athlete's long-term goals, academic expectations, the training load of their sport and their development potential.
Working with a sport psychologist, especially during adolescence, makes it possible to consider these factors together and create a realistic roadmap. Psychological support increases the sustainability of performance and helps athletes make a safer, better-prepared transition to life after sport.