Mainstream Mental Health

Playing Sports, Especially In College, Linked To Better GradesSigning your kids up for soccer in the fall and lacrosse in the spring may do more for them than build social skills or turn them into athletes. A study by researchers at Michigan State University shows that playing sports can also lead to improved academic performance, particularly for college students.The study found that playing recreational sports in college improved the grade point averages (GPA) of students and increased the likelihood for them to return for another term.The researchers analyzed almost 1,800 freshmen at MSU. The students who played intramural sports averaged a 3.25 GPA at the end of their first year, compared to a 3.07 GPA for freshmen who didn’t play recreational sports.The findings also showed that playing intramural sports was linked to lower odds of students dropping or failing classes their first year. In fact, those who played recreational sports were 40% more likely to return for their sophomore year, and 2.5 times mor