National Student-Athlete Day is celebrated each year on April 6. The day honors the exceptional achievements of student athletes and their contributions to American sports. National Student-Athlete Day also encourages students to sign up for sporting activities. This helps students not only develop their extracurricular skills, but also get scholarships for higher education and many other opportunities to develop into adults with bright futures. School and college-level sports are a big part of American sports culture, which is why National Student-Athlete Day ensures that every athlete, no matter their age, gets their due.
History of National Student-Athlete Day
Student athletes have existed for as long as schools and colleges have, but this celebration of their accomplishments through National Student-Athlete Day is a fairly new tradition. The day was first celebrated in 1987, designed to honor the exemplary achievements of high school and college student athletes. This isn’t all about sports, however, because National Student Athlete Day honors those students who have achieved excellence in both academics and athletics alike, as well as those who have made significant contributions to their schools and communities.
Decades have since passed, and National Student-Athlete Day has now honored more than 4.4 million outstanding student athletes across American schools and colleges. The holiday was created by the Institute for Sport and Social Justice and is now celebrated in partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (N.C.A.A.) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (N.F.H.S.).
Along with National Student-Athlete Day, Giant Steps Awards Honorees are chosen on a national level and honored at the annual Giant Steps Awards Gala and Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. The award recognizes achievements in many different fields. Some of the categories include courageous student athletes (male and female), coaches, civic leaders, and barrier breakers. The awardees form a diverse group of individuals who have shown courage and heroism, and who have triumphed in the midst of adversity. The award also takes into consideration community activism through the power of sport. The awardees are chosen by a national selection committee from a pool of hundreds of nominees from all across the country. Grit, perseverance, and courage define the true meaning of National Student-Athlete Day.
National Student-Athlete Day timeline
Intercollegiate sports starts in America when Harvard and Yale Universities compete in the sport of rowing.
The first intercollegiate cricket match is held between Franklin & Marshall College and Millersville State Normal School.
The Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States, IAAUS, is officially established.
The IAAUS is renamed to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
A landmark for the inclusion of women in intercollegiate sports is established.
The NCAA sets a record high net revenue of $989 million.
National Student-Athlete Day FAQs
What does it take to be a student athlete?
A student athlete is a participant in an organized competitive sport sponsored by the educational institution in which he or she is enrolled. Student athletes are full-time students and athletes at the same time.
What is a D1 student athlete?
D1 consists of the largest schools that also have the biggest budgets to support their athletic programs. It’s considered to be the most competitive division with the best athletes and teams.
Do student athletes get paid?
All college athletes in California can now earn money from their name, image, and likeness.
National Student-Athlete Day Activities
Share a meme or three
You can’t blame us for being obsessed with student athlete memes (go back to the intro for an example of true meme artistry). So this National Student Athlete Day, breathe some new life into your favorite memes by sharing them on your social medias and tagging your student athlete friends! Sure, you might be gently making fun of them, but we’re sure they’ll take it in stride.
Go to a local game
We can’t count the times we’ve driven past our local high school during a football game. But we always tell ourselves we’ll catch it the next time. (And, of course, we never do.) This holiday is the perfect day to support your local student athletes in what they do best! Check the calendar on your alma mater’s website: it’s guaranteed to have a long list of different events you can attend.
Get the student-athlete in your life some new gear
Whether your favorite student athlete is in high school or college, they’re probably not making enough money to afford the gear they want. Surprise them with some new cleats, or the lacrosse stick they’ve been eyeing! It will show them that you recognize all the hard work they’re putting in, and you support them.
Why We Love National Student-Athlete Day
It showcases dedication
Take it from our uncoordinated selves—it’s really hard to be good at a sport. We’ve tripped over enough hurdles and hit enough foul balls to realize just how talented student athletes are. But for every bit of talent student athletes have, they reinforce it with hours and hours of practice. Student athletes find time to fit what’s basically a part-time job in their schedule, while still completing all of their homework. That guy from High School Musical already had a hard enough time juggling two extracurriculars and a girl—we’re sure he wasn’t getting his work in on time. That’s why the student athletes in your life are so amazing—they can do it all! Make sure you let them know how appreciated they are today.
It reminds us that school is important
Think about it—how many holidays do you know that celebrate school? It’s easy to see school as a chore, and to stereotype people who are good at it as “nerds.” Somewhere along the line, it became cool not to care about school. But student athletes are the coolest people we know, so celebrating them doing well in school sends a powerful message: school can be fun, and doing well is even better.
It’s a motivator
Student athletes have the same amount of time in the day as you do. And in that time, they manage to practice their craft for several hours a day, hang out with their friends, do their homework, and eat. Think about their example the next time you say you don’t have time to go to the gym, or to pick up a new hobby. These athletes are examples of real people who make time for their passion and their obligations—and there’s no reason you can’t do the same. Now grab that basketball from the back of your closet and start shooting hoops! But don’t play with a student athlete. They’ll beat you so badly it will be embarrassing.
National Student-Athlete Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | April 6 | Monday |
| 2027 | April 6 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | April 6 | Thursday |
| 2029 | April 6 | Friday |
| 2030 | April 6 | Saturday |
