Have you
ever wondered what it would be like to have a professional athlete as a college
professor? We have. And that’s why we’re giving you the ten best
athletes to teach a valuable lesson in the classroom. Not all of the focus is on particular subject
matter but the characteristics and skills needed to become the best in your
field. Lucky for us this list is pure
fantasy: If athletes taught in the classroom, what student would go for an online degree? Without further ado…
10. Misty May-Treanor
Probably the
more notorious half of “the greatest beach volleyball team of all time,” Misty
May-Treanor encompasses what it means to be a team-player. With 105 career volleyball tournament wins,
no other woman has won more. Professor
May-Treanor would provide valuable insight on how to find success in an
environment that requires excellent communication and teamwork skills.
9. Ray Lewis
Ray Lewis is the ultimate enforceron the field and would be no
different in the classroom. He is outspoken and direct in his point of
view, but his teammates listen and he has gained respect throughout the
entire NFL. As a college professor, he would make his intentions clear
and let you know what he expects from you - and you better deliver.
For students that need to be pushed and motivated, Professor Lewis is
your guy.
8. Albert Pujols
Most people identify
the slugging first basemen with home runs.
But let’s not forget that he also hits for average, runs the bases
effectively and provides excellent defense on a yearly basis. Yes, Albert Pujols is a model of consistency
and would bring many life lessons to the classroom. Professor Pujols would teach students the
value of developing skills in multiple academic concentrations to better market
themselves for a career opportunity (perfect for the double-major
student).
7. Anna
Kournikova
Need we say more?
6. Phil
Mickelson
Quick: The first thing you think of when we
mention his name? Some may have said
“Left-handed golfer,” but most would have probably answered with “the king of
meltdowns” or some variation of a failure-ridden phrase. So why does Lefty make the list? Because
Mickelson is the ultimate sage to teach students how to overcome failure. In the classroom and in life there will come
a time when a student fails. The key is
learning how to get back up and try again.
Professor Mickelson would teach this lesson better than no other
athlete.
5. Julius Erving aka "Dr. J”
The guy is a
doctor; of course he makes the list.
4. Venus
and Serena Williams
They’ve both
accomplished incredible feats and we didn’t have the heart to choose one over
the other. Perhaps they can switch off and on for teaching the class? Other than dominating women’s tennis for the
past few decades, these sisters run successful clothing companies and recently
invested as limited partners for the Miami Dolphins. This all-star duo would be an incredible
source to learn about teamwork, multi-tasking, entrepreneurship, business
ventures and specific fashion industry skills.
3. Mario Lemieux
One of the
top NHL players of all time, Lemieux overcame Hodgkin's disease to resume his
playing career. Upon his retirement he
bought the Penguins and helped resurrect the team to one of the best in the
league today. Lemieux has been
instrumental in each of the Penguins three Stanley Cups: The first two as a
player and the third as an owner.
Professor Lemieux would be a great teacher of perseverance and dedication. Furthermore, he would offer expertise in
rebuilding a franchise or brand.
2. Peyton Manning
With plenty
of years left in his playing career, Manning is already involved in discussions
of the greatest quarterback of all time. The guy is a general on the football field
and is the ultimate example of a leader.
He has the ability to unify an entire team and empower each and every
player to strive for greatness. In the
classroom, Manning would be the best professor to teach the art of leadership
and the skill of motivating others. It
is a technique that requires passion, a clear vision and the ability to
communicate a message to all people involved.
Professor Manning would offer a life lesson that turns good employees
into great ones.
1. Michael Jordan
As if MJ
needed to be number one on another list.
Try your best to ignore the records and awards (that would require
another top ten list) and focus on his big picture accomplishments. Jordan revamped the entire basketball
industry and managed to lead an entrepreneurial enterprise during and after his
playing career. Currently part owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, Jordan continues
to reap advertising endorsements from big names like Hanes, Nike and
Gatorade. So what could Professor Jordan
teach in the classroom? Just about
anything, but to name a few: becoming a change agent for an industry;
advertising and branding; entrepreneurship; management; and communication.
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