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Results
Results are the real demonstration of success, both on and off the field. Since its inception, Play It Smart has been committed to tracking
and publishing our results and we will continue to do so. Data averaged for the last three academic years indicates:
• 95% of Play It Smart seniors graduate high school versus 76% of their peers;
• 80% enroll in college compared to 63% of their peers, with the majority qualifying for full financial aid;
• Play It Smart teams complete over 55,000 service hours annually;
• Participants earning more than $8 million a year in scholarships;
• 270-plus graduates earning places among the elite collegiate ranks during the 2008 season on Football Bowl and Championship Subdivision rosters; and
• In general, teams have played better football and improved their on-the-field records with increased academic eligibility of participants.
In addition to collecting quantitative data, Play It Smart also conducts qualitative interviews with the participants. Here’s what some participants have said about the program:
“Moving on to college has been a dream of mine for a long time, and I did not know if I would make it. I know that I can play football with the best of them, but doing college work I was not sure to that until [my academic] Coach McCrear told me that I can do anything that I put my mind to, and for that I am truly grateful, said Branden Bryant, a participant at Booker T. Washington HS in Atlanta, Ga., who signed with UCF.
“Being a member Play It Smart has given me new insight on what it will take to not only play in college but stay in college. I have always dreamed about playing college football and moving on to the NFL, and now I am one step closer to that dream,” said Branden Smith, a participant at Booker T. Washington HS in Atlanta, Ga., who signed with Georgia.
"I think the best thing about having an academic coach is that she helps me stay focused. When I have a lot to do for school and to get ready for college, she helps me organize, set goals and meet deadlines. I am grateful to all of my coaches for helping me meet the requirements for Furman," said Derrick Murray, a participant at South Atlanta HS, who signed with Furman.
"Coach Kim has been everything for me. She tutored me for exams, helped me with projects, prepared me for the SATs, and held my hand through the whole college recruiting process. I don’t know what I would have done and how I would have done it without her," said Iuta Tepa, a participant at Long Beach Poly HS in California, who signed with UCLA.
"Four years ago I was a scrub on the football field but Coach Kim kept at me about staying on course. She forced me to take the right classes and to sacrifice my Saturdays and Sundays studying for my classes and the SATs. Eventually I developed into a solid football player and because I was prepared academically I received a scholarship to the Air Force Academy. I can't thank Coach Kim enough for her support and encouragements through my high school years," said Matthew Jones, a participant at Long Beach Poly HS in California, who signed with Air Force Academy.
"From the first day at Poly my goal was to earn a college scholarship. That dream became a reality this year when I signed my letter of intent to Southern Oregon. I'd like to thank my parents, the entire coaching staff, my teammates, and Play It Smart and especially Coach Kim for helping me reach my goal," said Juwuan Brown, a participant at Long Beach Poly HS in California, who signed with Southern Oregon.
"While my friends from other schools were fumbling around trying to keep up with the recruiting process, I was already set thanks to Play It Smart. I was on pace completing my required units, already had my test scores, and even finished my community service hours. Coach Kim helped me through all the different requirements set forth by the high school, college and the NCAA Clearinghouse," said George Daily-Lyles, a participant at Long Beach Poly HS in California, who signed with Hawaii.
“Play It Smart and Coach Kim have been great tools in helping me achieve many of personal goals academically and athletically. I am the first in my family to go directly to college on scholarship, and it has allowed me to be an example for my younger siblings and family members that anything is possible with hard work and support. Coach Kim has been that support,” said Lazarri Middleton, a participant at Long Beach Poly HS in California, who signed with Nebraska.
“Coach Kim and Play It Smart have done a lot for me in regards to academics. Coach Kim has kept me focused on grades throughout high school. There were so many times she pushed me when I didn’t want to do homework or a project. Also, I wouldn’t have anywhere near the SAT score I had without Coach Kim and her classes. Poly’s football program without her would be a lot less prestigious due to a lack of eligibility and kids not getting out to colleges. The players, coaching staff, and parents all love her and that love is there for a reason,” said Quintin Brown, a participant at Long Beach Poly HS in California, who signed with University of San Diego.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to go on to play college football. My parents, coaches, teachers and 'Play it Smart' helped me get there," said Anthony Cook, a participant at West HS in Knoxville, Tenn., who signed with Tusculum College.
“Play it smart was one of the things that kept me going as I developed my last few years of high school. It gave me the discipline to say I could make it,” said Dominique Corder, a participant at Emmerich Mannual HS who signed with Western Illinois.
“Play It Smart helped my core grade point average recover, and the program really assisted in preparing me for my ACT test," said Demory Lawshe, a participant at Lawrence North HS in Indianapolis, Ind., who signed with Indiana State University.
"I may not have qualified for a college scholarship without Play it Smart," said Marc White, a participant at Lawrence North HS in Indianapolis, Ind., who signed with St. Joseph's College.
"For student-athletes competing at a high level, it is easy to get distracted from the important things outside of sports. Without [my academic coach] Monica Kim and the Play It Smart program, there is no way that I would be where I am today. Monica sacrifices so much time and energy to help us reach our goals that it borders on superhuman. She is an integral part not only of our education but our development as athletes and as people,” said Dennis Spacht, a participant at Long Beach Poly HS who signed with Fresno State.
"[Play It Smart] has been very helpful. Because of it, I passed my ACT. I got my grades up, and I am doing my homework now. I am also focusing more in class; I know I need to do that,” said MarQueis Grey who signed with the Minnesota and participates at the Ben Davis HS in Indianapolis, Ind.
"Play It Smart has helped me in every aspect of life. I learned how to focus, plan out my schoolwork, and get things done. I have become more mature on the field and in my personal life from being in Play It Smart, and I have learned how to deal with different personalities in my life," said Khalif Staten who signed with the Iowa and participates at the Abraham Lincoln HS in Brooklyn, N.Y.
“I like the idea of having a program that connects academics with athletics. Sometimes it's really hard to balance everything. It took awhile for us to get to know Coach Brown but now she's like part of the team. We look for her whenever we have a school activity because we know she'll be there with her camera to take pictures of all the members of Play It Smart. She has helped me by being another person I can find when I need help. I think Play It Smart has brought us closer together as a team because we get a chance to work together on other things outside of football like community service projects and team building activities,” said LaQuentin Crumbley who signed with Fort Valley State and participates in the South Atlanta HS in Atlanta, Ga.
"While it has always been relatively easy for me to excel on the football field, I have always struggled in the classroom. Fortunately, the presence of Play It Smart on our campus and the support of Coach Kim have aided me through this difficult academic terrain,” said Jurrell Casey who signed with Southern California and participates at Long Beach Poly HS in Long Beach, Calif.
"For the last two years Coach Kim has been beside me step-by-step in my high school life. The recruiting process was extremely overwhelming, but with the help of Coach Kim I was able to get through it. I could not have realized my dream of receiving a scholarship and attending college without her," said Vaughn Telemaque who signed with Southern California and participates at Long Beach Poly HS in Long Beach, Calif.
“Play It Smart as well as [Academic] Coach Kim both played major roles in my life for the past two years. From the beginning to end, I could always count on the program and coach Kim to keep me focused and on track. Now all my dreams of making it to the collegiate level have come true,” said Herman Davidson who signed with North Carolina and participates at Long Beach Poly HS in Long Beach, Calif.
“Coach Kim was really helpful to us because a lot of people I know couldn’t go to college because they didn’t know about what they needed to do to go to college. Coach Kim has stayed on me since she been here. Not only does she help me with all the school work and ACT, she is a great person to talk to,” said Kevin Norrell who signed with Washington State and participates at Long Beach Poly HS in Long Beach, Calif.
“My Academic Coach, Coach Kim, has brought me to a level I never thought I would get to and brought the best out of me as a person, athlete, and student. She stays on top of everything and makes sure I’m taking the correct classes and fulfilling requirements for graduation and the NCAA Clearinghouse. She sacrifices a whole lot for me taking weekends out of her leisure time to help me improve with my SAT skills and scores. She has had a major effect on me to be the best and be properly prepared for college and making a smooth transition to the next level. Honestly, without here I wouldn’t be where I am now. She pushed me and helped when no one else did. Everyone needs a super Kim in their program,” said Patrick Walker who signed with Northern Colorado and participates at Long Beach Poly HS in Long Beach, Calif.
“The Play It Smart program has become an imperative and a necessity in my life. Play it Smart and Coach Kim created a well balanced life for me as a student-athlete. Besides football and studies, I also participated in community activities such as helping at the local food bank and being a role model for nearby elementary school kids. These experiences created a healthy perspective on life for me,” said Marcus Falanai who signed with Minnesota State-Moorehead and participates at Long Beach Poly HS in Long Beach, Calif.
“On February 6, 2008, I signed my letter of intent to attend a school and play Division I football at Sacramento State. It was a great moment for my family and myself because coach Kim made me the first member of my family to go to college. If Coach Kim and Play It Smart weren’t here for me I would have never achieved this and be the man I am at school,” said Jeff Johnson who signed with Sacramento State and participates at Long Beach Poly HS in Long Beach, Calif.
“Play It Smart and, more specifically, Coach Kim have helped me tremendously. She has helped me by staying on top of me and making sure I complete all of my learning hours and college requirements. It would have been very difficult to complete it without her, and I thank her and Play It Smart,”said Sheldon Armstrong who signed with Utah State and participates at Long Beach Poly HS in Long Beach, Calif.
“Coach Kim from the Play It Smart program has worked wonders for me. Before Coach Kim came my grades were not so good, but as soon as Coach Kim arrived we started having mandatory tutoring sessions. My grades and my SAT scores rose tremendously, and I thank the Play It Smart program and Coach Kim for that. I will remember this experience for the rest of my life,” said Jordan Gross who signed with Jackson State and participates at Long Beach Poly HS in Long Beach, Calif.
"[Play It Smart] provided a way for me to study outside of the classroom and set me up with extra help for my classes. The Academic Coaches have given me advice and pushed me to get things done in the classroom, just like the football coaches push me at practice,” said Trevino Woods who signed with Kentucky and participates at Clarke Central HS in Athens, Ga.
"Play It Smart has helped me in many ways. It helped me understand the NCAA Clearinghouse system. It also helped me become a better student-athlete by putting education first, then sports. The academic coaches at Clarke Central have helped me by pushing my core GPA up and helping me understand the system. The Play It Smart coaches made me understand that you have to put education first before you worry about sports," said Desmond Gantt who signed with Fort Valley State and participates at Clarke Central HS in Athens, Ga.
"Play It Smart helped me get better study skills. My academic coaches have always pushed me and made sure I tried my hardest. My coaches showed me that when studying under the Play It Smart system, my grades would go up, and they were right,” said Darreion Robinson who signed with Georgia Southern and participates at Clarke Central HS in Athens, Ga.
“Play It Smart is good for athletes. I remember it and my academic coach from my freshman and sophomore years. We had study hall in the theatre, and my academic coach caused me to stay focused on my classes even though I had no real problems in the classroom. Our coaches have been dedicated in keeping up with us and how we were doing academically. We did some community service like helping build a house with Habitat for Humanity,” said Artesza Portee who signed with Connecticut and participates at Benjamin E. Mays HS in Atlanta, Ga.
“Play It Smart study halls were a good thing to keep us focused on our books. Even though I did not struggle in the classroom, the focus Play It Smart put on studying early as a freshman helped me see early how important it was to study and keep my grades up. I particularly liked the life skills conferences we had sometimes doing study hall,” said Patrick Thomas who signed with Savannah State and participates at Benjamin E. Mays HS in Atlanta, Ga.
“Academically Play It Smart helped me to maintain my GPA above a 3.0, helping me continue my success as a student-athlete. Athletically it kept me disciplined and humbled. Socially I was able to help others by participating in the community projects our academic coach set up for us. My academic coach has helped me reach the next level of being prepared for college with my academic studies, helping make sure I do what I am suppose to be doing,” said Naquan Smith who signed with Grambling State and participates at Benjamin E. Mays HS in Atlanta, Ga.
“The program kept me on top of my books. My grades went up and I was able to focus better in the classroom. It definitely kept me eligible to compete on the field. [My academic coach] helped me with all my difficult work and all the assignments I struggled in,” said Daniel Few who signed with Georgia Southern and participates at Henry W. Grady HS in Atlanta, Ga.
“The program definitely helped me focus on my grades. By thinking in the classroom, I could think better on the field. Coach Yancey encouraged me to stay focus and do well,” said Jarvis Caffey who signed with Bethune Cookman College and participates at Henry W. Grady HS in Atlanta, Ga.
“The program gave me insight in how to prepare for college. Having to keep my grades up and be an athlete is a big part of the college experience, and I think that [Play It Smart] helped me understand that. [My academic coach] made sure I was straight in all my classes and made sure everything was ready for college,” said Brandon Outlaw who signed with North Carolina Central and participates at Henry W. Grady HS in Atlanta, Ga.
“The program helped me understand why my grades were so important. I was able to stay on top of my grade point average and increase it. Athletically, the program helped me because it let me get adjusted to demands that would be made in college so it won’t be a surprise,” said DeMarcus Watts who signed with Georgia Southern and participates at Henry W. Grady HS in Atlanta, Ga.
“It gave me more time to do my work so my grades improved. I was able to give more of myself on the field because I wasn’t tired from doing homework from last night. [Our academic coach] was constantly staying on top of us about our grades,” said Darryl Farley who signed with Tulane and participates at Henry W. Grady HS in Atlanta, Ga.
"I took my grades more seriously, and [my academic coach] knew stuff that maybe my parents or counselors didn't know about and gave me the information," said Emmanuel Spragin who signed with Shorter College and participates at Henry W. Grady HS in Atlanta, Ga.
"The program pushed me to excel in the classroom. I could just play and not worry about if I was in trouble with grades because I was doing what I had to with [my academic coach. She definitely made sure I was taking classes seriously. She was always open about anything we should know about,” said Jarrett Griffin, who signed with Valdosta State and participates at Henry W. Grady HS in Atlanta, Ga.
“If it were not for the Play it Smart program, Coach Ferguson (our head coach), and the academic assistance and accountability that Play it Smart has provided for me, I truly don't believe I would have been able to be academically eligible for Division I football," said Jerry Brown, who signed with Illinois and participated at Vashon High School in St. Louis, Mo.
“Play It Smart has helped me realize that I can use more than my athletic ability to succeed in life. A great education is more important than a great forty time," said Troy Pascley, who signed with Louisville and participated at Alliance High School in Alliance, Ohio.
“Play It Smart has taught me that maintaining focus and realizing academics and athletics go hand-in-hand are the key to success,” said Chavez Grant, who signed with Miami (Fla.) and participated at Booker T. Washington in Miami.
“Play It Smart helped me prepare for college. Last year my academic coach worked with me in getting ready to take the SAT and this year we worked together gathering information for my personal statement,” said Terence Brown, who signed with New Mexico and participated at Cesar Chavez High School in Laveen, Ariz.
"The Play It Smart Program really helps you out because it’s always there, not just during football season," said Ailao Eliapo, who signed at San Jose State and participated at South San Francisco High School in California.
“If it wasn't for the Play It Smart program I would not be able to sign a Division I football scholarship. I would not have known about the clearinghouse process or what classes to take in order to meet eligibility requirements. [My academic] Coach Lambdin's help and guidance over the last four years was critical to my success. Coach Lambdin encouraged me, stayed on me, and helped me keep my focus,” said Dennis Rogan, who signed with Tennessee and participates in the program at Fulton High School in Knoxville Tenn.
“The National Football Foundation has helped guide me through all four years of my high school life. The coaches from Play It Smart were here by my side through all the steps I made both academically and athletically. The recruiting process and the requirements of the NCAA Clearinghouse can be complicated but with the help of Coach Kim, I was able to complete it with ease,” said Donovan Warren, who signed with Michigan and participates at Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calf.
“The teachers of Poly demand scholastic excellence. The coaches of Poly push me towards athletic prowess. Coach Kim from Play It Smart has sought more from me. Every month, sometimes weekly, I have participated in Play It Smart activities to help out our community. From reading to children, visiting hospitals and volunteering at the soup kitchen ... every experience has opened my eyes and broadened my view of this world. I've relished every moment I had in being a positive influence in our home. When I attend the University of Oregon next fall, it will not be as a mere student-athlete but as a man of conscience,” said Kenny Rowe who signed with Oregon and participates at Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calf.
“On February 7, I signed my letter of intent to attend school and play Division I football at Fresno State. It was a seminal moment for my family and myself. I can honestly say, I could not have accomplished this without my academic coach, Ms. Kim and Play It Smart,” said Isaiah Green, who signed with Fresno State and participates at Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calf.
“Play It Smart helped me in a big way. Knowing all the requirements to get to college, taking the SATs, meeting the clearinghouse and the credits to get to the next level, without Play It Smart I would have not known what to do…More people were able to get to college because our academic coach got to the whole team, and we were able to talk to her about all our problems with school. She would work with us one-on-one, and she also had Saturday classes to get help with anything we needed. It helped a lot,” said Bryshon Nellum, who signed a track scholarship at Southern California and participates at Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calf. Nellum, who ran the fastest 400 meters in the nation this year at 46.20, hopes to walk-on to the football team at either wide receiver or as a punt returner.
"We always had [head] Coach Skip to keep on us about our grades, but it has helped me to have [academic] Coach E also to not only get on me but to be available everyday for us and to let us know that we can do it. It's hard work, and we can do it. But we have to work hard. It pays off in the end," said Tyler Stradford, who signed with Oklahoma and participates at O. Perry Walker High School in New Orleans.
“I have only been a part of the Play It Smart program for this year, but Coach Eaglin really tried to make sure that I got all my work. She stays on me and helps me to prepare for my classes and ACT tests so that I could be in position to go to college," said Alex Williams, who signed with Oklahoma and participates at O. Perry Walker High School in New Orleans.
“[My academic coach] helped me with keeping my grades up, which have allowed me to play college ball… The Play It Smart program has gone through the stages that I needed to move on to the next level. The academic coaches of Play It Smart have kept me on track through my high school years with school and life lessons in general,” said Mychal Hendricks, who signed with Cumberland and participates at Stratford High School in Nashville, Tenn.
“In ninth grade I was not studying or thinking of college much at all because football was the reason to go to school and my gateway from my rough life…The Play It Smart program helped me get my grades up so I can go to college and things needed to be done for college such as applications and NCAA Clearinghouse materials which the Play It Smart program also helped me with,” said Keon Bohannon who signed with Cumberland and participates at Stratford High School in Nashville, Tenn.
“The Play It Smart program helped out a lot… [Our academic coach] worked very hard by getting us ready for college every day in football study hall. I believe that I am a better person because everyone pushed me extremely hard through my career,” said Jamal Stewart signed with Cumberland and participates at Stratford High School in Nashville, Tenn.
“We were always pushed to the limit, and I would like to thank all of my coaches for pushing us hard during the season but even harder after the season was over,” said Eric Counts who signed with Carson-Newman College and participates at Stratford High School in Nashville, Tenn.
“Now that I have the chance to play and my dream is coming true, I would like to thank my coaches, teammates, FCA, and Play It Smart program,” said Terrell Perkins who signed with Carson-Newman College and participates at Stratford High School in Nashville, Tenn.
"[Play It Smart] made a big difference. When I compared my grades with the grades of others who didn't participate it helped me to make right decisions for my life," said Terrell Wilkes who signed with Villanova and participates at Hillhouse High School and also at the Roberto Clemente Middle School both in New Haven, Conn.
"The play it smart program allowed me to turn around my outlook on school, and in doing so my grades improved enough for me to receive a scholarship to C.W. Post college. I now have an opportunity to continue my education and football career," said Brendan Ryan who signed at C.W. Post Long Island and participates at Port Richmond High School in Staten Island, N.Y.
"Thank God For the Play it Smart Program," said Ted Jones, who signed with Southern University and participates at Akron Buchtel High School.
"Play It Smart laid out for me exactly what I had to do academically to qualify for this scholarship. Without Play It Smart’s guidance, I never would have been in a position to accept this opportunity. For real, Play It Smart changed the course of my life," said Parker Cantey, who played at South Shore High School in Brooklyn, NY and signed with Syracuse.
"If it were not for the Play it Smart program, Coach Ferguson (our head coach), and the academic assistance and accountability that Play it Smart has provided for me, I truly don't believe I would have been able to be academically eligible for Division I football," said Jerry Brown, who signed with Illinois and participated at Vashon High School in St. Louis, Mo.
"Play It Smart has helped me realize that I can use more than my athletic ability to succeed in life. A great education is more important than a great forty time," said Troy Pascley, who signed with Louisville and participated at Alliance High School in Alliance, Ohio.
“Play It Smart has taught me that maintaining focus and realizing academics and athletics go hand-in-hand are the key to success,” said Chavez Grant, who signed with Miami (Fla.) and participated at Booker T. Washington in Miami.
“Play It Smart helped me prepare for college. Last year my academic coach worked with me in getting ready to take the SAT and this year we worked together gathering information for my personal statement,” said Terence Brown, who signed with New Mexico and participated at Cesar Chavez High School in Laveen, Ariz.
"The Play It Smart Program really helps you out because it’s always there, not just during football season," said Ailao Eliapo, who signed at San Jose State and participated at South San Francisco High School in California.
"Play It Smart helped me in many ways. It allowed me to balance my time, without worrying about time for homework. It gives our team plenty of time to get our work done during school or after school. Play It Smart also prepared me for college. I knew about the NCAA Clearinghouse and the guidelines for it at a very early time. When it came time for me to choose a school, I had everything I needed already done," said Carlos Tipon, who signed with Bowling Green and participated with Winton Woods High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.
"Coach Drew helped in all aspects, with my grades, SAT Testing, ACT Testing, everything. I owe him a lot due to my success,” said Vincent Joseph who signed with the University of Southern California and participated with Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif.
"Coach Drew helped my out a lot, he has helped me catch up with my grades and helped me pass my ACT. He has also got me into really trying to go to class and paying attention to my school work,” said Travon Patterson, who signed with Southern California and participated with Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif.
"Play it Smart helped me stay on the right track and made sure all my transcripts were in place. I was more than ready for the SAT," said Alfred Rowe who singed with Southern California and participated with Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif.
“Play it Smart gave me a chance to get extra help and time to do my homework," said Terrance Austin who signed with UCLA and participated with Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif.
“Play It Smart helped me stay inline and not fall behind in my class, as well as help me prep for my SAT and ACT,” said Ryan Smith, who signed with Sacramento State and participated with Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif.
"Coach Drew has helped me out tremendously throughout the year. When choosing a school came into play, no one was really looking at me, until Coach Drew stepped in and helped me out academically to bring up my SAT scores and classroom grades. I can truly say that Coach Drew is a big help to me and to my teammates. Without his hard work I really think that I wouldn't be where I'm at today," said Buddy Taumasaga, who signed with Texas Southern nd participated with Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif.
“Coach Drew helped me keep my grades up to a level where I could brag about them to colleges," said Andrew Dunkley who signed with Northern Colorado and participated with Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif.
”Play It Smart has helped to give me academic support and has ensured that the things I need to succeed are available to me,” said Millicent Olawale, who signed with Columbia and participated with Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif.
"Coach Drew and the Play It Smart program helped me stay on top of my grades. Coach Drew along with Coach Lara and the coaching staff helped me understand what sports are about, which is being hte best on the field and most importantly the best in class. The Play It Smart program helped me become a good student and I am thankful to be coached by Coach Drew and be apart of the program," said Alex Sagale, who signed with Texas Southern and participated with Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif.
"Coach Drew kept me posted on my grades and made sure I was good to go," said Conan Amituanai, who signed with Arizona and participated with Long Beach Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif.
“Previously I struggled with grades but when the program started at my school I've had five quarters straight that I obtained a 4.0 or higher,” said Walker White, who signed with Elon and participated with West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, N.C.
"Play-it-Smart helped me to realize that grades were as important as my performance on the field," said Kendall Briscoe, who signed with New Mexico State and participated with Lincoln High School in Dallas, Texas.
“Play It Smart is a lifesaver. I could not make it without [my academic coach] Elbert Cobbs who goes above and beyond the call of duty to make sure the players are ready and prepared for the next level. I can make the college contacts and the players can show their skills, but Cobbs is the glue that holds our program together,” said Glenville Coach Ted Ginn, Sr., in Cleveland, Ohio.
“Ever since Play It Smart has been here, it has been a real plus for our program. The help from the academic coach is tremendous. You can talk to the parents, and they can tell what it a plus the program is. They will tell you how much it has helped in their kids’ development… We try to keep the kids accountable as much as possible and the Play It Smart helps us do that. The benefit for us has been keeping guys eligible to play and having more guys qualifying to play in college… If you’re going to play football at Long Beach Poly, you better do it in the classroom too,” ” said Long Beach Poly head coach Raul Lara in Long Beach, Calif.
“Play it Smart has helped our athletes stay on task, reach new academic heights, and fulfill their dreams of playing college football. The opportunity to have [academic coaches] Leslie Kelly and Mari Atherton assist, mentor, and guide our athletes has been instrumental to their individual successes. It would be wonderful if we could reach every student the way that they have reached our athletes,” said Ben Davis head coach Mike Kirschner in Indianapolis, Ind.
"From an administrators perspective, working as a team has been critical to the success of Play It Smart at Lincoln. Involving the administrators, parents, coaches and teachers ensures that we cover all our bases and gives the student the highest chance of success,” said Renan Ebeid, Assistant Principal at Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, N.Y.
“The success of our Play It Smart program lies in the relationships that have been established between the players and their academic coach. Our students know that they have someone that serves as their advocate, confidant, tutor, counselor and teacher. Students within the Play It Smart program believe that if they reach the expectations set regarding academics, community service and athletics that tremendous possibilities will become available to them, but even more powerful is the belief that if athletic opportunities do not present themselves that they see college admission and college graduation as an achievable and desired goal,” said Dr. David Aderhold, the principal at New Brunswick HS in New Jersey.
“Play It Smart taught me to balance the time between football and studies. Time management is the biggest single problem, so many football players find when they get to college. But Play It Smart gave me the background to handle it,” said Rutgers running back Ray Rice in an Oct. 10, 2006 Newark Star-Ledger article. “The program helped me figure out a correlation between school and football before I got to Rutgers. It’s not complicated Homework equals football practice. Tests equal football games.”
“I probably wouldn’t even have graduated high school. I’d probably be out somewhere living the street life…At the time, I didn’t really care about school…Football was everything to me,” said South Carolina running back Mike Davis in a Sept. 21, 2006 The State article. “All my teammates knew that it made a difference. I started getting more attention and guidance, and really got into school once I started doing better.”
“It’s a great program. It not only teaches you how to do well in the classroom, it teaches you how to be a young man. I grew up a lot in that program,” said Florida State tailback Antone Smith in an August 22, 2006 St. Petersburg Times article.
“I looked forward to my mandatory study hall every day with my academic coach. During my four years of high school, my grade-point average was around 3.1 to 3.2. And that’s definitely because of Play It Smart,” said Wisconsin linebacker Jonathan Casillas in an August 18, 2006 The Capital Times article.