Los Medanos College is in the process of launching an innovative program aimed at supporting student-athletes not just in their athletic endeavors, but also in their academic success.
The initiative, called the Student-Athlete Academy (SAA), is being developed to address both the educational and athletic needs of student-athletes, with a strong focus on closing equity gaps and boosting performance in key areas such as math and english.
This academy is part of a broader effort by LMC to improve student outcomes through strategic support, proactive planning, and collaboration across multiple departments on campus.
The primary objective of the SAA is to create a support system that allows student-athletes to thrive both in the classroom and in their respective sports. By building a program that emphasizes time management, academic accountability, and accessible support resources, LMC hopes to not only increase retention and success rates but also better prepare students for life beyond community college.Regardless of whether that means transferring to a four-year institution or entering the workforce.
To bring this vision to life, the academy is being developed through a coordinated effort involving various departments across campus.
The Admissions & Records office is playing a key role by monitoring student-athletes’ enrollment and eligibility status. Faculty members are volunteering their time to support study hall sessions and engage directly with student-athletes to foster academic success.
The Counseling Department is hosting enrollment workshops, offering personalized scheduling support, and attending study halls to help students manage their time and course load.
Meanwhile, the Athletics Department is working closely with coaches to ensure student-athletes are attending study hall and maintaining academic focus.
LMC’s Equity Office is also providing financial backing through the AB1705 Grant, helping institutionalize the program and ensure long-term sustainability.
English Professor Caitlyn Mitchell emphasized the importance of collaboration in making this program work.
“We collaborate with other departments to support success by making sure we have protected sections for students, students are able to enroll in the classes, and that faculty are invested in working with the student-athletes,” she said.
Athletic counselor Michelle Mack added, “Enrollment workshops help students to get in the protected sections. The protected sections are scheduled from Tuesday/Thursday from 9:35 to 12:35, meaning that students can attend class without conflicts with practices.”
Early data from Fall 2024 shows promising results.
Student-athletes in the SAA completed significantly more academic units than both athletes not enrolled in the academy and non-athlete students, almost double in some cases. While their GPA averages were comparable to their peers, this increase in course completion is an encouraging sign of the program’s effectiveness.
According to Athletic Director Marti Storoi, the early success of the academy is due in part to building a culture that emphasizes both academic and athletic achievement.
“We’re focused on creating a culture that prioritizes academic success alongside athletic excellence. There’s still a long road ahead with many adjustments to make—analyzing the program, listening to feedback, and evolving over time,” said Storoi.
Looking forward, the program is actively expanding its offerings. Plans are in motion to increase the number of available slots in the academy from 30 to 90, covering nearly all incoming student-athletes.
To help accommodate the growth, onboarding materials and handbooks are being created to ensure students understand their roles and the resources available to them.
One of the cornerstones of the program is a daily study hall from 1 to 2 PM, where students can receive help from faculty and the athletics counselor.
“Students can get help twice a week, and we’re already seeing how valuable that face-to-face support is,” said Mitchell.
Additional future initiatives include adding protected class sections for second-year students and creating reserved seats in late-start classes to ensure athletes who enroll later in the semester maintain their eligibility. Grade checks at key points during the semester are also being implemented.
“Grade checks are like looking in a mirror—helping students stay on track and giving staff the information they need to step in early,” Storoi said.
The academy is also developing a financial literacy component, which will include workshops on financial aid, budgeting, and federal work-study opportunities.
“The first step is helping student-athletes understand their financial situation. Then we help them get involved in programs and jobs that offer support, whether that’s food assistance, housing help, or peer mentor roles,” Storoi said.
Ultimately, all of these efforts are designed to build a culture of scholarship, responsibility, and growth. Mitchell and Mack both stressed the importance of culture-building.
“With more time, we’ll build a better culture,” they said. “We’re already growing from 60 students to 90. The expansion is happening.”
“What’s important is creating a strong relationship between students and faculty, where both sides understand and respect each other. That’s how you build a truly supportive environment,” Storoi added.
Although the Student-Athlete Academy is still evolving, it has already made a significant impact on the lives of student-athletes at Los Medanos College.
With continued support, refinement, and expansion, the academy is well on its way to becoming a model of how athletic programs can successfully integrate academic achievement, personal development, and community support. This initiative promises to help student-athletes succeed at LMC and beyond—on the field, in the classroom, and in life.
