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So, here's the thing. Grades are important. Not because they reflect your worth, but because they reflect your resilience. You can get a low passing grade, and still showcase your resilience and efforts. Outside of my football career, I am a School Counselor. I know that school work is not always easy for students, and I can appreciate that not all home situations and environments are conducive to providing a helpful and workable space to do homework.
However, I would argue that there is at least ONE helpful adult that you can relate to in your building, your life, that is absolutely willing, capable, and would be overjoyed to help you attempt to achieve your goals. I am always honest with students. You may not use every class for your future. You may not care about the class, the teacher, or the students, but your grade report still matters for you to be able to play on the field. You don't need to get the highest grades, but you need to have passing grades. The effort you put into your education, will matter for your future career as a player. Coaches will help you find assistance if you are willing to ask them. Your future is in your work ethic. This matters. Do your best, and know I am always here to help you. (219 words)
I would be honored to speak to a young athlete who was wanting to follow in my foot steps. As far as what I would say, I would try to emphasize the point that intelligence is a key attribute to any athlete in any sport. Understanding what your team is trying to do, understanding what your opponent is trying to do. Things you can do to help prepare yourself for every match. Grades aren't the be all - end all of a school career, but the work that goes into it is important. Preparation breeds luck. You don't just get "good" one day, even with natural born talent. You have to work, on and off the field. As a young student, the work you do in the classroom, as well as the social aspect of group work and hanging out with friends is just as, if not more, important than the work you do in the weight room and on the field. Don't ignore half of your talent.
(167 words)
The Delacour family in general values academics. Might sound strange, given that Raphael is an ISFL player, Sophia is a top level soccer player, and their father, Antoine, is an ISFL Hall of Famer... But it's true. Problem is, whenever someone in the family wants to make a point about their child needing to knuckle down in school, invariably, they call Raphael. Can't call old man Antoine, what kid is listening to their great uncle? And obviously, Sophia escapes these calls, since she's in France.
So, when cousin Lianne called from Baton Rouge, worried about her fourteen-year-old son Remy, Raphael had to step up. Gave them a call on Zoom. Remy made a decent point, Raphael figured. Lianne and her husband Pierre had high expectations for the kid. "But high expectations can't be an excuse for falling short, cuz," Raphael explained. "I had to maintain a 3.5 GPA at all times through middle school and high school if I wanted to play football. I thought that was hard and unfair too, but I did it. I'm here." He went on to talk about how getting into Harvard has provided even more opportunity than the ISFL. "Sure, I made it to the ISFL and I get paid well," he told his cousin. "But you can't play football forever, man. I got maybe another four or five years in me, if I really push it? I'll be barely into my thirties. Not even middle aged. So I gotta have options, right? You don't get the grades, you don't get to have options, cuz." "I know this feels like a lecture, trust me I get it." Raphael said. "But it's because I have to tell you the truth. I can't let you go out into the world, my blood, and not give you the information you need to survive. I'll make you a deal, Remy. You hit a 3.0 GPA this year and I'll fly you out to any ISFL game you want here in Colorado, you can stay with me for the weekend and everything. I'll even introduce you to some of the guys on the team. But you gotta hit that three-point-oh." Seeing Remy's raised eyebrow, Raphael doubled down. "Remember that's easier than what I had to do. So you can't use that expectations excuse on me. We got a deal?" (SHL: academydropout) I impersonate a programmer for a living
Father of the League Wiki • Friendly Neighbourhood Angry Black Guy™ • NOT British
Originator of the Sim League Cinematic Universe (SLCU)
Super capitalists are parasites. Fite me.
Alternatively, if you agree, you can support a grassroots movement dedicated to educating and organising the working class by buying a digital newspaper subscription. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
If I had to tell a young player with ISFL aspirations one thing, it would be simply to stay in school. Zach Crossley only made it to the ISFL because he was a stellar student in high school. Crossley was not a major recruit when it came to football during his high school years. By achieving a good GPA, he was able to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin to walk on to the football program. Without that chance in college, Crossley would never have had the chance to realize his dream of playing in the ISFL. In addition to academics allowing a player to pursue the ISFL, it also allows the player to have options outside the league. Not every football player is going to make the ISFL, but every football player can work their ass off and get an education that allows them to have a decent career. Staying in school is the number one thing anyone can do to make sure they have the best opportunity to succeed at their sport. Other than that be sure to eat right and get a full night sleep every night. No 3AM call of duty binges if you can avoid it.
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