Many commentators have noted that growing commercialization of college sports has made it increasingly difficult for universities to reconcile the gap between college sports and the fundamental mission of higher education. This article considers those individuals who choose to be a student athlete in good faith, and suggests strategies that can be implemented in the quest for a meaningful education, balancing the need for winning and maintaining profitable athletic programs with maintaining the core value of academic success. The authors conclude that such balance is achievable if coaches, athletic staff, and faculty are committed to nurturing and assisting the student athlete to achieve such a goal, which will ultimately translate into success beyond college.