Counselors have an important role to all high school students. And their job is often vital to athletes who struggle to balance sports with school work.

Keeping football players on the right educational track can mean entrance to a major college program. And that in turn, can set them up for future success as a professional player.

Northside-Warner Robins routinely sends stars to major college football programs. Monica Smith has been a counselor with the school for 10 years. She spoke to GPB's Edgar Treiguts.

Tags: Georgia, education, Edgar Treiguts, high school football, athletics, Northside-Warner Robins High School, counselors, Monica Smith