STUDENT ATHLETES AT RISK OF FAILING IN ACADEMICS: THE CASE OF PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

In many rural Philippine schools, student-athletes are increasingly prioritizing sports over academic responsibilities, raising concerns among educators and parents alike. As young athletes strive to succeed both in the classroom and on the field, they often face difficulties in maintaining a healthy balance between academics and athletics. The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences and perspectives of student-athletes who place greater emphasis on sports, shedding light on the reasons, challenges, and coping mechanisms associated with this prioritization. Utilizing a qualitative case study approach, the research engaged seven male student-athletes from Grades 7 to 12, along with three teachers and four guardians. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis to uncover common patterns across narratives. Five major themes emerged: passion for sports (interest in sports and sports efficacy) and incentives and rewards (travel opportunities, exemption from exams, and provision of materials) present the reasons; lack of balance between academics and sports (inability to focus on studies, lack of engagement in class, delayed submission of class requirements, and boredom) and physical exhaustion (burnout and tired from training) summarize the challenges; and social and academic support (support from peers and assistance of teachers) showed the coping mechanisms. The study concludes that while sports provide meaningful opportunities and motivation for student-athletes, a strong support system and structured academic interventions are essential to help them thrive holistically. It is recommended that schools implement flexible academic policies and mentorship programs to foster a more balanced and supportive environment for student-athletes.