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Steps to Success

***All potential student-athletes must meet with the Head Coach of the team they wish to join before becoming a student-athlete*

 

1. Meet with the Athletic Counselor early

     • LAMC offers an Athletic Counseling service. The counselor helps student‑athletes with goal setting, developing an educational plan, checking transfer and eligibility requirements, and balancing athletics with academics.

     • When: As early as possible—ideally before or during your first semester.

     • What to bring: your goals, schedule, any previous transcripts, questions about your sport’s demands.


2. Understand the Academic Requirements & Maintain Eligibility

      • Make sure you know the minimum GPA, course load, and other criteria required to remain eligible for your sport.

    • If you are unsure, speak with the Athletic Director and/or Athletic Counselor.

      • Regular grade checks, keeping up with assignments, and staying on top of course work is essential.

      • Complete your required Study Hall hours.


3. Create a Student Educational Plan (SEP) or Academic Plan

      • Work with our Athletic Counselor to map out the courses you need to take for your degree, general education (“GE”) requirements, and/or transfer to a four‑year college.

      • Plan out which semesters you’ll take certain classes so nothing surprises you.

    • This helps avoid having to take extra or unnecessary classes down the road.


4. Time Management & Scheduling

Balancing practice, games, study, rest, and personal life is tough.

      • Build a weekly schedule: block out class times, practice times, study blocks.

      • Prioritize rest and recovery, as they affect performance both on field/court and in class.

      • Use campus tools: calendars, planners, reminders.

 

5. Utilize Support Services

LAMC offers a number of resources to help students succeed. Some relevant ones:

     • Tutoring & Learning Resource Center (for help in writing, math, other courses)

     • DSP&S 

     • Financial Aid & Scholarships (don’t overlook aid opportunities)

     • Transfer Center (if you plan to move on to a four‑year university 

     • Career/Internship workshops (to plan for life beyond athletics)

 

6. Stay Healthy (Physical & Mental)

Athletics demand physical fitness, but also good health practices:

  • Nutrition, sleep, injury prevention.

  • Take advantage of any available health or athletic training services.

  • Mental health: stress management, talk to counselors and utilize Timely Care services.

         Resources to help you relax and stay healthy:

 

7. Communication is KEY

  • With coaches: Let them know if you're struggling academically, or if you need help managing conflicts between practice and class.

  • With professors: If practice or games cause conflicts, communicate early (before the conflict, if possible). Many instructors appreciate students who are proactive.

  • With your counselor/advisor: Keep them posted on your athletic schedule and academic progress

    • Be sure you have access to the Athletics Canvas page and check it periodically.

       Updates and important information will be posted such as, building closures, office hours for the sports  medicine clinic, campus activities and announcements, etc.

 

 8. Set Short‑Term & Long‑Term Goals

  • Short term: this semester’s GPA goal, mastering certain skills in your sport, improving time‑management.

  • Long term: transfer aspirations, scholarship goals, athletic milestones.

Having goals helps with motivation and gives you benchmarks to check in on progress.

 

9. Get Involved & Build a Support Network

  • Build friendships with teammates—it helps morale and you’ll have people to lean on.

  • Join campus clubs and study groups.

  • Use peer mentors, tutoring groups.

 

 10. Plan for the Transition (e.g. Transfer, Career, Scholarship Applications)

  • Know what scholarships are available, deadlines, athletic vs. academic.

  • If you want to move onto a 4‑year college, explore which schools accept your credits, what their athletic programs expect, how to meet transfer eligibility.

  • Build and keep an updated résumé (both athletic and academic), highlight achievements.

 

For more resources, please click on "Student Resources" in the drop-down menu under "Academics" or speak with your Head Coach, the Athletic Director, or staff member.