The evolution of the student athlete has been remarkable to see. Student athletes hold a tremendous amount of power not only on the playing, but also socially. This evolved power can equate to pressure as much as pleasure. Collegiate Athletes face the pressures of making it to the professional level, while also managing to find their self identity. In many cases younger student athletes are starting to be tasked with the same burden. Before young athletes even reach the high school level, they’re given a vast amount of opportunities to evolve in their respective sports. Youth sports organizations like AAU basketball and 7x7 tournaments offer athletes the chance to practice their craft year round. This system benefits the athlete by providing them with year round training, and the opportunity to gain exposure in front of collegiate coaches. Although the system has its advantages, the increased time investment in their respective sports, limits these athletes ability to excel as scholars. Studies show young athletes spend close to 12 hours training weekly. This increased time investment could ultimately effect the student, that lies within Student Athlete. Fortunately there are institutions that provide opportunities for young athletes to develop their skill and intellect at an elite level.
SAI Academy located in Orlando, FL, represents the future of educating the modern athlete. SAI aims to approach combing elite soccer training, with academics for a blended learning experience. The academy offers its athletes the opportunity to receive hands on training from elite soccer instructors; while also participating in summer school courses. For older Student Athletes, the option to receive SAT/ACT Prep is also available. SAI athletes also have the unique chance of playing professionally. Through partnerships with GGS Soccer Academy and selected MLS teams, SAI has the ability to assist it’s Student Athletes in preparing for a collegiate or professional career.
What separates SAI Academy from other organizations is the resources dedicated to the success of their student athletes both on and off the field. Athletes receive hands on instruction from coaches on the field as well as instructors within the classroom. In order to best serve each student athlete, both instructors and coaches receive weekly updates. These updates track each athletes progression or regression during their time at SAI; both in the classroom and during training sessions. Professionals like Rich Aplin, believe programs like this help to round out a young athletes development. Aplin is SAI’s Soccer Director, and has served in the position since moving to Florida in 2020. (Aplin quote). Other methods like having a NCAA accredited curriculum, ensure these young athletes have a place to go once their time the academy concludes. A place where they will benefit from both their mind and body. Currently NCAA athletes are currently only given a 1.5% chance of making it to the professional level. Even high school soccer players are only given a 5.6% chance to compete at any NCAA division. In May of 2023, SAI graduated its first class of student athletes. The inaugural ceremony resulted in 25 students finding a collegiate home.
The vision for SAI originated with its Co-Founders Shamini Ghay and Milan Maini. "This has been a dream of mine for a really long time, and it feels good for it to finally come into fruition". Ghay’s vision has provided a space for athletes to cultivate strong personal characteristics
as well as develop their skills.
As a fellow Co-Founder, Maini serves the academy as it's Director of Business Development. Her role allows her to be hands on with the Academy's everyday operations. Maini has even introduced yoga as means of meditation for these young Student Athletes. "Sometimes I'm even caught off guard when certain Students come up to me with their yoga mat already in their hand". Aside from being business partners Ghay and Maini also share the common fact that their sisters. This bond the pair share motivates and assures one another, that they're willing to do anything to see their siblings dream come true.
The impact of SAI Academy goes far beyond its resources and founders vision. One of the best ways to prepare younger Student Athletes for their futures, is to ensure they understand how to react to different situations. These situations aren’t limited to the breakdown of X’s and O’s, but also the unsuspecting events in life. Young athletes with the potential to succeed in their sport are often given the tools in order to excel in their athletic career. It’s not often that the same energy and resources are dedicated to athletes academics. Being prepared for the possibility of not going pro is just as, if not, more important than preparing to make league. At SAI Academy, athletes experience the best blended learning experience.
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