Learning & School

The Catch-Up Play: Your System for a Missed Class

Rhema Adelaja · National Champion & 4x DUX · September 2026 · 6 min read

A simple, three-step process for student-athletes to manage missed classes for sport. Go from feeling behind and stressed to being in complete control of your academic catch-up.

You walk into the classroom. The travel was long, but the win felt good. That feeling fades fast. The teacher is already writing on the board. Your classmates are taking notes. You sit down and open your book, but you are completely lost. You feel a familiar knot of anxiety in your stomach. You are already behind.

I know this feeling well. During my time at university, I played internationally. I missed a lot of classes. I remember one trip in particular. I missed a full week of a difficult module. When I got back, I tried to just 'catch up' by borrowing notes. It was not enough. I felt awkward asking the lecturer for help. I felt like I was bothering my friends. The result was my lowest mark of the term. That experience taught me a hard lesson. Hope is not a strategy.

Feeling behind is not your fault. It is part of being a student-athlete. But staying behind is a choice. You need a system. A repeatable process you can use every single time you miss a class for a commitment. It is not complicated. It just requires discipline. This is your Catch-Up Play. It puts you back in control.

The System: Before You Go

The work does not start when you get back. It starts before you even leave. The goal here is simple. You want to make your teacher your teammate. You are not asking for permission or special treatment. You are showing them that you take their class as seriously as you take your sport. This builds respect. It makes them want to help you.

First, get your travel schedule for the entire term. As soon as you have it, look at the syllabus for every class. Mark down any lectures, deadlines, or exams you will miss. This is your conflict map. You need to see the problems before they happen.

Next, you write a clear, professional email to your teacher. Do this at least two weeks before your first absence. It should be short and respectful. Introduce yourself as a student-athlete. Attach your travel schedule. List the specific dates you will be absent from their class.

What to Say in Your Email

Dear [Teacher's Name], My name is [Your Name] and I am in your [Class Name] on [Day/Time]. I am also a member of the [Your Team Name]. I am writing to let you know about some upcoming absences due to competition travel. I have attached my schedule. I see I will miss class on [Date 1] and [Date 2]. I have reviewed the syllabus and I want to make a plan with you to stay on top of the material and assignments. I am committed to doing well in your class. Thank you, [Your Name].

This email changes everything. You are no longer a student who just disappears. You are a responsible person managing a demanding schedule. Most teachers are very willing to help when students communicate early. They might offer to record a lecture or give you the coursework ahead of time. After you send the email, try to speak with them for two minutes after class. Just to confirm they received it and to ask if they have any initial instructions. This personal connection makes a big difference.

The System: While You Are Away

Your time away is not a holiday from your studies. Travel time, hotel downtime, and evenings are opportunities. I am not saying you should be studying every second. You need to prepare for your competition and you need to rest. But you can find pockets of time to keep your schoolwork moving forward.

Before you go, you need to have one reliable classmate in that lesson. Your 'academic training partner'. This is someone you trust to take clear notes for you. Ask them before you leave. Do not just assume someone will do it. When you are away, they can send you a picture of the notes each day. This simple habit keeps you connected to what is happening in the classroom.

Use your travel time wisely. A two-hour bus journey is a perfect time to review the notes your friend sent you. You can read the assigned chapter. You can start working on the homework. This is not about learning new, complex topics on your own. It is about staying familiar with the material. So when you return, you are not starting from zero. Many student-athletes form study groups to share notes and discuss topics while on the road, which can be very effective.

The System: When You Get Back

This is the final and most important part of the play. What you do in the first 48 hours after you return determines whether you catch up or fall further behind. You must be disciplined here.

Your first priority is to get the full story of the class you missed. Meet with your academic training partner. Do not just grab their notes and run. Ask them questions. What was the main point of the lecture? Did the teacher emphasise anything? Were there any questions from other students that were important?

Once you have the notes and the context, you must do the work yourself. Sit down and go through the material. Read the textbook. Try to solve the problems. The goal is to get to a point where you have specific questions. 'I do not understand what I missed' is not a question. 'I understand the formula on page 47, but I get stuck when I try to apply it to question 3' is a specific question.

Meeting Your Teacher

Now you are ready to meet your teacher. Go to their office hours or ask for a brief appointment. This is your moment to show your commitment. Start by thanking them for their support. Then, show them the work you have already done. Explain what you understand. Then ask your specific questions. This shows them you respect their time. It also allows them to help you much more effectively.

If you are still struggling, do not wait. Use the resources available to you. Most universities have dedicated academic support for athletes. This can include free tutoring or workshops. I used these services myself. They are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign that you are serious about your success. A good professional uses every tool available to them.

This whole process, from the first email to the meeting after you return, is a professional habit. It is a system. It takes the emotion and anxiety out of missing a class. You are no longer hoping to catch up. You have a clear plan to follow.

Look at your calendar now. Find the next class you are scheduled to miss. Your task is to start step one of The Catch-Up Play today. Write the email. Identify your academic partner. Take control.