At a certain point in their athletic journeys, athletes inevitably confront the daunting inquiry: “Now what?” This pivotal question is not exclusive to seasoned professionals or Olympians but also resonates with young athletes at the recreational level, middle school, high school, and collegiate level as well. The timing of this question varies, arising organically for some and forcibly for others, due to factors such as injuries or the inevitable aging-out process in sports (Encyclopedia of Applied Psychology, 2004). When the moment arrives, it is crucial for the athlete’s physical and mental well-being to have a well-defined plan in motion.
While some sport programs acknowledge the significance of having a transitional plan to support athletes, unfortunately, many do not. This is distressing, as it sends a disheartening message to athletes, implying their disposability. It suggests that they were only valued during their peak performance and not during times of struggle or when they decided to step away from being an athlete. The conversation with athletes and sports organizations needs a transformation, emphasizing that the “W” or the medal is not the ultimate priority. What truly matters is the well-being of the athlete as an individual. Their identity is not solely defined by their sport; they are individuals deserving of care and consideration beyond their athletic achievements. For many athletes, their athletic journey is a relatively brief but impactful period in their lives. However, this time in their lives shapes their character, and instills values that will be part of them for the rest of their lives.
Sport Coaches, Strength and Conditioning Coaches, Athletic Trainers, parents, and anyone else who is closely involved in an athlete’s life should actively promote and support the athlete in developing a road map for life after sport. Encouraging athletes to envision and prepare for their post-sport life is crucial for fostering well-rounded individuals who can successfully navigate the transition beyond their athletic careers.
“an athlete’s identity is not solely defined by their sport; they are individuals deserving of care and consideration beyond their athletic achievements.”
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We’ve witnessed athletes retire and flourish, experiencing positive emotions towards life and functioning well both psychologically and socially (Keyes, 2003). We have also witnessed others who endure a life marked by challenges and mental health struggles, frequently arising from the unaddressed and unprepared-for difficulties of transitioning from sports. The shift away from sports can lead to various impacts on individuals’ mental well-being (Knights et al., 2016).
Athletes should pursue their athletic endeavors while simultaneously engaging in part-time employment, part-time schooling, and/or volunteering to grow their skills and experience that can enhance their resume. By pursuing growth opportunities simultaneously outside of competing in sport, athletes are establishing groundwork for a smoother transition beyond their athletic endeavors, eliminating the uncertainty of the “Now what?” This strategic planning approach ensures that athletes already have a well-defined plan in place for the next phase of their lives.
References
Encyclopedia of Applied Psychology. (2004). Academic Press.
Keyes, C. L. M. (2003). Complete mental health: An agenda for the 21st century. In Flourishing: Positive psychology and the life well-lived (pp. 293–312). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/10594-013
Knights, S., Sherry, E., & Ruddock-Hudson, M. (2016). Investigating Elite End-of-Athletic-Career Transition: A Systematic Review. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, 28(3), 291–308. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2015.1128992
