CEDAR CITY, Utah — For years, Utah parents have been the unsung heroes of the athletic journey, navigating early morning carpools, braving the elements in the stands, and providing the steady encouragement that fuels practice and games. Now, Southern Utah University is ensuring that the collective dedication of these families and their athletes results in a tangible head start on college.
In a landmark partnership between the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games and SUU Community and Workforce Development, high school athletes who compete as part of a sanctioned sport in the Utah Summer Games are now eligible to earn three SUU Elective Credits for $30.
"We are excited to see competition in the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games lead to high school students earning SUU credits and jumpstarting their college careers," said Jon Oglesby, Executive Director of the Games. "Promoting educational access and opportunities is one of our strategic initiatives with the Games, and this work with our colleagues in Community and Workforce Development allows USG competitors to receive SUU college credits thanks to this innovative partnership."
Turning Sideline Support into Academic Success
The hours spent on the court, field, or track are more than just a pursuit of a medal; they are an investment in a specialized toolkit of life skills. SUU recognizes that through competitive sports, students build the exact attributes required for the modern workforce, including:
- Discipline and Resilience
- Strategic Problem Solving
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Leadership and Accountability
"We recognize that the hours spent on the court, field, or track are hours of deep learning and personal development," said Melinda Pfundstein, Executive Director of SUU's Community and Workforce Development Department. "By offering university credit for that dedication, we are bridging the gap between athletic grit and academic success. Our goal is to reward the focused skill-building, collaborative spirit, and leadership capacity that these students and the families who support them pour into every competition."
How it Works: Eligibility and Participation
This program is designed to honor the athlete's effort by translating their competition time into academic progress.
- Eligibility: To claim the 3 SUU Elective Credits, athletes must compete as part of a sanctioned team (including individual event competitors registered under a team umbrella).
- Validation: Because this is an academic reward for real-world effort, eligibility will be confirmed by SUU officials only after the Games conclude to verify that the student-athlete participated in their registered events.
- The "Double Play" Benefit: Students can earn this credit once per calendar year. However, athletes can receive this perk a second time during their high school career if they compete in a different sport or event category.
A Reward for the Journey
"To the parents who have spent countless hours on the sidelines: this credit is a recognition of your commitment as much as your child's," added Pfundstein. "Your support has built the foundation for their success, and we are thrilled to help turn those years of hard work into a world-class educational advantage."
For more information on how to register your athlete and claim these credits, please visit https://apply.suu.edu/register/usg_credit.
About SUU Community and Workforce Development
The SUU Community and Workforce Development department provides accessible, flexible, and high-impact learning pathways. Whether upskilling, reskilling, or starting your journey, SUU is a partner in lifelong professional agility.
About the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games
Celebrating its 40th anniversary season in 2026, the Larry H. Miller Utah Summer Games focus on ensuring three strategic initiatives: 1) promoting educational access and opportunity to participants; 2) providing economic development activity through sports tourism for Cedar City, Iron County, and the state of Utah; and 3) encouraging the development of lifelong healthy lifestyles and the building of communities through sports. In all circumstances, the Utah Summer Games strive to provide a first-of-class experience that is accessible for participants of all backgrounds and socioeconomic demographics.
