A common misconception that students hear is that good grades come from spending all their time on schoolwork and studying. However,the opposite is true. While sufficient time should be dedicated to academics, maintaining a balanced commitment to extracurricular activities and sports can enhance productivity and support stronger overall school performance.

Extracurricular activities help academic performance by developing discipline and a stronger sense of responsibility. According to Hillary Hutchinson, a life coach, “Multiple roles can actually help you do a better job in any given area by giving perspective and creating new skills you might not otherwise attain.” In fact, research shows that 11 of 14 studies found a positive relationship between physical activity and academic performance.

Many students at Brophy also recognize and experience these benefits firsthand. For example, Beau Wallace ‘27 said, “Yeah, I think sports help me learn discipline and manage my time better.” Wallace is on the wrestling team and has to miss several days of school during the season to compete in tournaments, yet he still believes that it helps him in school. 

Extracurriculars, mainly sports, can also improve your mental focus. Being active daily increases attention span. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, “Basic cognitive functions related to attention and memory facilitate learning, and these functions are enhanced by physical activity and higher aerobic fitness.” Dylan Hart ‘27, when asked about this topic, said, “I think sports improve focus and attention span.”

Extracurriculars are also not limited to sports; Landon Guyer ‘27, for example, is very active in his church and plays guitar for the worship team. He agrees that extracurriculars help him in his school life. “Through my walk with Jesus outside of school and encountering him through church activities, I’ve been able to become a better man for others and more engaged in the school environment,” Guyer said. 

Extracurriculars can have a lot more benefits than at face value. They build discipline, focus, and responsibility by helping students learn to juggle multiple tasks at once. These skills directly translate into the classroom and school life. Spending time on activities besides school actually ends up helping school performance as long as it’s balanced evenly.