Most student athletes have participated in their sport for the majority of their lives. Being an athlete has most likely become a part of your identity. But what happens when that final whistle blows and that final game is over? For many, this transition to a former student athlete feels like a loss in identity, and unfortunately, this transition is not often prepared for. With fewer than 1% of college athletes becoming professional athletes, this adjustment is something that should be talked about.
See what the NCAA has to say about the former student athlete experience
Tips for Everyday Life Following your Athletic Career
Stay active: You are likely used to conditioning and practicing in preparation for your sport. Once your career as an athlete has ended, you may no longer have this structured workout schedule. During this transition, it can be important to stay active. Not only can creating your own structured workout regimen assist in making a smooth transition, but staying active can boost your happiness and wellbeing as well.
Find a new activity to engage in: Once your athletic career comes to an end, you may find yourself with more free time than you have ever been used to. Find a new enjoyable hobby to fill this space. Finding a new hobby to engage in can also help in coping with the loss of your athletic career and identity, and can help build social relationships that you may be missing if you were active in a team sport.
Transitioning from a Student Athlete to an Employee
Build your skills into your resume. Being a student athlete is unique, use that to separate yourself from the crowd. Here are few unique strengths for many student athletes:
Successfully managing time between competing priorities
Leadership skills
Comfortable working within a team setting
Goal oriented