Studies Show Sports Lend Life Skills to Students

Experts and youth who explain how being an athlete means more than just winning.

"Research shows those involved in youth sports tend to do better in school they tend to have better life skills, like time management and getting along with others," said Bill Stanczkiewicz the CEO of Indiana Youth Institute.

Indiana Youth Institute CEO Bill Stanczykiwicz might be the expert on the issue, but he's not the only one who sees the skills sports pass on to youth.

"There are so many things they can take away, everything from responsibility, work ethic, perseverance, and to push through adversity," said high school volleyball coach Madison Minnick.

Coaches also validate research from Centers for Disease Control revealing sports help students do better in school.

"A lot of times player's grades are better when they're in season. I think it's because they're in a routine everyday,"said Mark Raetz, Terre Haute South football coach.

"You have a team relying on you to pass your classes so I think it makes me more disciplined as a person," said Zac Harper who plays football for Terre Haute South.

For some youth being part of a team means being a part of a family.

"I can think of one athlete who didn't have a family. She had no one to hold her accountable or to be there, and that came from volleyball," said Minnick.

But experts say if parents don't play their part, the postive research could be reversed.

"The biggest thing we need to be telling our kids is to achieve at their highest level, and to do their best instead of focusing so much on the scoreboard," said Stanczykiewicz.

For many athletes it's never just about winning.

"Football taught me how to fight through tough times. It made me a better person, and showed me everyone is equal no matter who you are or where you come from," said Harper.

For more information, click here.