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When Joey stepped onto the field as a defensive end for Colorado State University, he wasn’t just joining the world of Division 1 college football—he was also entering a demanding academic environment. While he had excelled in high school, balancing college athletics and academics was an entirely new challenge that pushed him to develop critical executive function skills.
Now, as a fourth-grade teacher, Joey uses these same skills to help his students thrive in the classroom.
Developing Executive Function Skills as a College Athlete
Joey remembers how overwhelming his first semester was. “I went from high school to my first college class in just about a month,” he recalled. The deeper level of organization, time management, and self-advocacy that college required caught him off guard. One of his earliest struggles was with a writing assignment. “I had no idea what the professor was looking for,” Joey admitted. His coaches encouraged him to advocate for himself by asking the professor for guidance—a daunting task for any new student.
Through consistent practice and support from his coaches, Joey became more comfortable communicating with professors. “Talking to my professors after every paper became a habit,” he shared. Over time, he realized that self-advocacy wasn’t just about improving his grades; it was about building the skills to meet expectations through clear communication.
Time Management and Planning for College Football Players
A major turning point for Joey came when he recognized the importance of planning his time effectively. Early morning practices, classes, homework, and game preparation left no room for disorganization. “I started mapping out assignments and key dates on my calendar every semester,” Joey explained. By reviewing his syllabi and blocking off time for studying, he could see where he had windows to relax and recharge. “Planning made a huge difference—it let me focus on school, practice, and games without burning out.”
By front-loading his academic work early in the week, Joey had more flexibility to focus on football as the weekend approached. He noticed that only a small number of his teammates had strong time-management skills. “The ones who planned had more free time and a better overall experience,” he observed, seeing the clear connection between effective planning and success in both academics and athletics.
How College Football Teaches Transferable Executive Function Skills
After college, Joey transitioned into teaching and quickly saw how the executive function skills he developed as a student-athlete translated to the classroom. Now, as a fourth-grade teacher, he helps his students develop skills like organization, self-advocacy, and time management.
“I start every class with movement,” Joey said. Whether it’s a quick dance or running around the basketball court, this physical activity energizes his students and improves their focus—just as Joey had experienced as an athlete. For students who struggle with executive function challenges, Joey teaches them to break large tasks into smaller steps, just as he did with his own responsibilities.
Joey also sets clear behavior expectations from the beginning of the school year. “In the first month, I’m strict about rules like ‘Do what’s right,’” he explained. Establishing clear expectations early on creates a structured and predictable environment, which allows students to thrive.
Using Executive Function Skills to Improve the Classroom
A cornerstone of Joey’s teaching philosophy is building strong relationships with his students. Just as his coaches helped him learn how to advocate for himself, Joey encourages his students to do the same. He equips them with the language they need to ask for help and emphasizes that self-advocacy is about taking control of their learning.
At the start of each year, Joey posts a list of helpful phrases that students can use to ask for clarification or support. “A lot of students don’t know how to ask questions, so I give them the language,” he said. Throughout the year, students practice self-advocacy, which builds their confidence. Joey sees these skills as important not just for the classroom but for life.
Key Learnings from Joey Kawulok
Joey’s experiences as a college football player and a fourth-grade teacher offer valuable insights into the development of executive function skills. Here are some key takeaways:
1. Self-Advocacy Is a Game-Changer: Learning to communicate with professors transformed Joey’s academic experience. He teaches his students to practice self-advocacy, which benefits everyone.
2. Planning and Time Management Are Essential: Joey emphasizes planning ahead to balance school and sports. Mapping out assignments, key dates, and free time reduces anxiety and improves performance.
3. Movement Fuels Focus: Joey incorporates movement into his classroom to help students stay energized and focused. Physical activity supports cognitive development, a lesson he learned as a student-athlete.
4. Explicit Expectations Lead to Better Behavior: Setting clear rules early creates a structured environment where students know what’s expected, leading to better behavior and a stronger sense of community.
5. Building Relationships Is Key: Establishing a strong rapport with students is need to build EF skills. Joey teaches his students not only how to learn but also how to express their needs, making his classroom a safe space for growth and self-advocacy.
Are you or your child facing challenges in balancing academics and extracurricular activities?
At Untapped Learning, we help students build the executive function skills that lead to success in school, sports, and life. Whether it’s developing better time-management habits, practicing self-advocacy, or learning how to focus and follow through, our coaches are here to support students every step of the way.
Contact Untapped Learning today to learn more about how we can help your student build the confidence and skills they need to thrive—on and off the field. Don’t wait until they feel overwhelmed; get ahead of the game and start planning for success now!
