PLAY IT SMART
Juggling academics and athletics has never been an easy task. Understanding that high-school student-athletes need some assistance in this matter, Houston ISD has implemented the Play It Smart program in all of its high schools.
THE PLAY IT SMART PROGARM
Each HISD high school has chosen an Academic Coach to serve as the liaison between student-athletes and academics. The Academic Coach is mentor, advocate, counselor, teacher, coach and friend to the student-athletes. At Westside, Niki Herbert has been chosen to serve this role. The Play It Smart Academic Coach tracks the student-athletes during their four-year high school career ensuring necessary credits for graduation, helping the student-athletes maintain a passing GPA throughout the school year and helping develop the student-athletes' off-the-field (or court) character via community service. The ultimate goal is to equip the student-athletes with the knowledge, communication skills and inspiration to continue life-long learning and success.
The National Football Foundation spearheaded the Play It Smart program in 1998 working in "economically disadvantaged areas where family and community support are often lacking." The program's premise is "to transform the student-athletes' passion for sport into a force for greater good in their lives. More than 160 schools in 33 states participate in the program. For more information, visit www.playitsmart.org.
OUR GOALS
The six goals of Play It Smart incorporate all facets of a well-rounded, complete student-athlete. They are:
- Improve Grade Point Average
- Increase Number of Students Taking the SAT/ACT & Improved Scores on Tests
- Increase Graduation Rate & Opportunities for Higher Education
- Enhance Life Skills Development
- Increase Opportunities for Community Service
- Increase Parental & Family Involvement
The primary aim of the Play It Smart program is to instill teamwork, sportsmanship, respect for rules and community service as standards for student-athletes so that their focus shifts from oneself to a greater, global cause.
Niki Herbert |
281-920-8000 |
ACADEMIC COACH NIKI HERBERT
Niki Herbert, a native Houstonian, attended Trinity University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication in 2001. She played guard for the Tigers before transitioning into the sports editor for the school newspaper. Under her leadership, the Trinitonian won an unprecedented top three ranking for sports coverage amongst small liberal arts schools.
Herbert was one of the founding members of the Trinity University Fellowship of Christian Athletes organization and served as captain during her junior year. She was the Black Student Union's liaison to the President, welcoming the 2001 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speaker, former Spelman President Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, and introducing her to the audience. Herbert also worked for Trinity Intramurals as a staff assistant; creator, writer and editor of the IM newsletter; referee for basketball and football and a supervisor of the IM sports events.
After college, Herbert wrote for the Houston Chronicle, where she became the first female recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, which is awarded by the Greater Houston Football Coaches Association, in 2005. The Associated Press Sports Journalism Institute named Herbert its Top Writer in 2000.
Herbert taught English and coached freshman girls basketball for two years at Westside prior to teaching and coaching at Klein for a year. In her fourth year of education, Herbert has returned to Westside in the new role as Academic Coach.