Can sports be good if I have weaker academics?

Sports can definitely help, but they’re not a magical shield for a rocky report card. Admissions teams want student-athletes, not athletes who happened to go to school. Strong athletic achievements can add serious value, especially with leadership roles or elite competition, but they work best when paired with academic potential. If your grades aren’t glowing, use your sports story to show other strengths: grit, discipline, time management. Maybe your training schedule taught you to prioritize better or helped you recover from a tough academic year. Just be honest, own your progress, and show that you’re trending up. Sports can boost your story, but they shouldn’t be carrying the whole thing alone.