Ballin' on the Sidelines: A Playbook for Post-College Athlete Life
Transitioning from the life of a college athlete into the 'real world' is undoubtedly a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. As someone who has experienced this shift firsthand, I can attest to the myriad of emotions and adjustments that come with leaving behind the ‘student athlete’ you and transitioning into the next chapter of your life. This not only apply to student athletes but students in general with less responsibilities. Whether you had a set schedule of working out and school or if you were a party goer, I think everyone can relate to this post in terms of life after you graduate.
One of the most significant aspects of life after being a college athlete / student is the newfound freedom. Suddenly, there's no coach dictating your schedule, no mandatory practices or games to attend. Not to mention, you weren’t worried about bills (most of us) and being an ‘adult’ hasn’t fully hit you. While this freedom can be liberating, it also requires a significant shift in mindset and discipline. Without the external pressures of athletics, it's up to you to create structure and set goals for yourself. I found this to be the hardest thing as I was so used to a consistent schedule of workouts, bowling, and school. Though it has been almost 3 years since I have graduated, sometimes I feel like I haven’t put myself in a consistent routine. Suddenly it feels like a fresh start after graduating. Everything is brand-new. New responsibilities, new changes, and new feelings.
Another aspect of post-college athlete / student life is finding a new sense of identity. For many of us, our identity has been closely tied to our sport for years. I was always tied to bowling at a very young age. Now I don’t compete nearly as much as I use to. This does not bother me though, as I mentioned earlier everything is constantly changing and as you take yourself out of your comfort zone, you begin to realize how much more you are capable of. It can be challenging to redefine ourselves outside of that context. However, this transition also presents an opportunity for personal growth and exploration. It's a chance to discover new passions, interests, and talents that may have been overshadowed by athletics. One of the biggest challenges for former college athletes is staying physically active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. After years of intense training and competition, it can be tempting to let fitness slide. However, prioritizing health and wellness remains crucial in this new chapter of life. Whether it's through recreational sports, group fitness classes, or simply hitting the gym, finding ways to stay active can help preserve both physical and mental well-being.
On a practical level, transitioning out of college athletics often means navigating a new career path. While some athletes may have their sights set on a professional sports career, many others pursue different avenues. The skills and discipline developed through athletics—such as teamwork, time management, and goal setting—can be invaluable in various professions. It's essential to leverage these skills and experiences to excel in whatever career path you choose to pursue. I have come across a lot of people who peeked in high school and even more who peeked in college. You need to remind yourself that is okay to let go of that part of your life. The more you hold on to it, the longer it will take for you to enter the next part of your life. That does not mean to completely forget about it, it means to remember it as a crucial learning point in time that has developed you to become the next best version of yourself.
Lastly, life after college athletics is about embracing change and embracing new opportunities. It's about cherishing the memories and lessons learned on the field or court while embracing the challenges and adventures that lie ahead. While the transition may not always be easy, it's a chance to write the next chapter of your story, filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth. Through the close friends who became family, to the people I’ve let go of, the coaches and players I never got along with (idgaf tbh). I wouldn’t trade it for anything for these are some of lifes great blessings and lessons.
