Do you know that some of the world’s most successful athletes are not just great at sports but also highly educated? Athletes are often known for their exceptional physical abilities and achievements in sports, but did you know that some also hold advanced degrees?
College is not easy for anyone. It might be more challenging for famous athletes who have to play on the side. For regular students, the workload is usually intense. Some even try to buy dissertation online to add to their efforts, as purchasing dissertations is very simple these days. Regardless, studying to get a Ph.D. is an immense achievement.
Today, we will highlight seven famous athletes who have taken their education to the next level by earning PhDs. From former NBA players to Olympic medalists, these athletes have proven that success can come from both the field and the classroom. Join us as we explore these inspiring individuals’ diverse backgrounds and academic pursuits.
Famous Athletes with PhDs
John Amaechi
John Amaechi was born on November 26, 1970, in Boston, Massachusetts, but was raised in England. He played college basketball at Penn State University. After college, he played professionally in Europe before joining the NBA in 1996. He played for several teams over the next several years.
After retiring from playing, Amaechi became an analyst for ESPN and other networks. He wrote a bestselling book about his experiences as a gay man in the NBA titled “Man in the Middle.”
After retiring from the NBA, he went on to earn a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Manchester. He advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and has been a vocal critic of discriminatory policies and practices in sports. He was also inducted into the England Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Tom House
Tom House is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and a current coach and consultant. He was born on August 24, 1943, in Winchester, Virginia. House played professional baseball for several teams, including the Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, and San Diego Padres.
After retiring from playing, House became a pitching coach and consultant, working with various teams and individual players at both the collegiate and professional levels. He is known for his innovative approach to coaching, incorporating biomechanics, strength training, and other techniques to help improve his clients’ performance. House has also been involved in various other ventures throughout his career, including work as a sportscaster, writer, and public speaker.
He also has Ph.D. in sports psychology. He earned a degree from Southern Illinois University, where he studied the biomechanics of pitching and injury prevention strategies for pitchers. His expertise in this area has made him a sought-after consultant and coach, and his innovative approach to coaching has helped many players improve their performance and avoid injury.
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is a retired American professional basketball player. He was born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey. As he is commonly known, Shaq is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He was a dominant force in the paint, known for his size, strength, and athleticism.
O’Neal played college basketball at Louisiana State University, where he stood out. He was selected first overall in the 1992 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic and played for several teams throughout his 19-year career, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Boston Celtics. He won four NBA championships, was a three-time Finals MVP, and was selected to the All-Star team 15 times.
After retiring from playing, O’Neal has had many jobs in the entertainment industry. He has appeared in numerous movies and television shows. He has a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree from Barry University in Miami, Florida. He earned the degree in 2012 after completing a dissertation on the use of technology in education. He has stated that he is passionate about teaching and has advocated for students and teachers.
Frank Ryan
Frank Ryan was an American mathematician and a former professional football player. He was born on August 23, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri, and died in La Jolla, California, on June 30, 2007.
Ryan played quarterback in the NFL for several teams, including the Cleveland Browns and the Los Angeles Rams. He was known for his strong arm and ability to make clutch plays, and he helped lead the Cleveland Browns to the NFL Championship in 1964.
After retiring from football, Ryan pursued a career in mathematics, earning a Ph.D. from Rice University and later teaching at the University of Liverpool in England. He was known for his work in mathematics, including research in algebraic number theory and cryptography. He is fondly remembered for his contributions to sports and academics and his dedication to his craft.
Deng Yaping
Deng Yaping is a retired Chinese table tennis player. She was born on February 7, 1973, in Henan, China. Deng started playing table tennis at a young age and quickly rose to become one of the top players in China. She represented China in several international competitions, including four Olympic Games. She won numerous titles, including four Olympic gold medals and World Championship titles.
Deng is widely regarded as one of the greatest female table tennis players. Her achievements have made her a national hero in China. After retiring from competition, she became a table tennis coach. She holds a Ph.D. in management from Beijing Sport University in China. After retiring from competitive table tennis, she continued her education and obtained her Ph.D., and has since worked in various roles in the field of sports management, including as a consultant and coach.
Katherine Grainger
Katherine Grainger is a retired Scottish rower and one of the most successful British female rowers. She was born on November 12, 1979, in Glasgow, Scotland.
Grainger started rowing while attending the University of Edinburgh and quickly became one of the top rowers in Britain. She represented Great Britain in five Olympic Games, winning five medals, including a gold medal in the double sculls at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. She also won several World Championship titles and is regarded as one of the greatest female rowers.
After retiring from competition, Grainger became a member of the British Olympic Association and was appointed as the Chair of UK Sport. She works to promote and support elite sports in Britain. Katherine Grainger holds a Ph.D. in law. She earned a degree from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, where she studied the relationship between law and sport. In addition to her achievements in rowing, Grainger is also known for her work as a researcher, writer, and public speaker.
Travis Dorsch
Travis Dorsch is a former American football player and coach. He played as a punter in the National Football League (NFL) for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2002. After playing, he became a coach and worked at the high school and college levels.
In addition to coaching, Dorsch is a professor of exercise science at Utah State University. He teaches courses in exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, and triathlon. He holds a Ph.D. in Exercise Science from the University of Utah. He has published several articles on the topics of exercise physiology and performance.
Dorsch is also an accomplished triathlete and has competed in several triathlons, including Ironman competitions. He is known for his expertise in triathlon and is highly regarded in the triathlon community.
Takeaway: If they can, you can too.
With athletes like John Amaechi and Tom House, it’s clear that it can be done. Their stores are a powerful reminder that if they can, you can too. Success is attainable for anyone willing to work hard and put in the effort. So, don’t let balancing a successful athletic career and a Ph.D. hold you back. Instead, take inspiration and believe in your own abilities to achieve both. Remember, if they can, you can too.
