Things Retired Athletes Don't Talk About

Being a college athlete is a dream for so many. There are nearly 8 million teens playing high school sports around the country, and only 495,000 will be able to play at the next level. The countless hours of training, the exhilaration of competition, and the camaraderie built with teammates create memories that last a lifetime. But as we all know, the time eventually comes when the athletic chapter of our lives comes to a close, and we transition into the next phase... otherwise known as retirement. As a retired college athlete, I've embarked on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth beyond the field.

When I heard the final whistle blow in the game that would be my last, I immediately felt drained. Not only because we just finished double overtime, but because that was the last game I’d play on our home field. The memories made on that field during practices to the cheering we heard during home games, no one prepares an athlete for the feeling you’ll get when that stops.

For lack of other words… You may have an identity crisis. For many athletes, their sport becomes synonymous with their identity. Years of training, competing, and being recognized as "the athlete" can lead to an identity crisis when that chapter of their life comes to an end. Adjusting to a new identity outside of sports can be daunting, leaving them to ask questions on questions about who they are beyond their athletic life.

You may feel a loss of purpose. Athletes have a clear purpose throughout their careers - to excel in their sport. Once retired, that sense of purpose can vanish, leaving a void that is hard to fill. Finding new passions or career paths that ignite the same level of dedication can be a formidable task, leading to feelings of uncertainty and restlessness.

There will be physical challenges. The years of training and competing often takes a toll on retired athletes' bodies. Lingering injuries can become constant reminders of the “former glory days.”

There’s a loss of a certain social network. You get comfortable seeing your people every day at practice and at games on the weekend. So, retirement can lead to the loss of a tightly-knit social network. Teammates become family and the void left by this camaraderie can leave retired athletes feeling isolated and disconnected.

Don’t even get me started on adapting to “normal” life. Becoming a NARP was probably the weirdest thing to happen to me yet. The fast-paced world of sports is so different from the everyday routine of a NARP, a.k.a. non athletic regular person.

The transition from being a college athlete to a retired one can be both exciting and challenging. Suddenly, the structured routine and identity of being an athlete disappears. At first, I was sad and lots of tears were shed about our season ending. But then, I celebrated. Celebrating 18 years of soccer was… crazy, rewarding, and accomplishing. Now, embracing the change and being open to new opportunities are key aspects to navigating this phase.

While athletics may have consumed so much time and energy, retirement opens up a whole new world of possibilities. It's the perfect time to rediscover old passions or explore new interests. I miss being competitive so I did what every other retired soccer player does - I signed up for a half marathon. I also just finished an adult soccer league (+ when I say adult, I mean 50 year olds were still crushing it on the field). I applied to be a private soccer coach. I have dived deeper into my creative side and enjoy doing little projects on the side. Learning my purpose outside of my college sport has been tough but rewarding.

After the final whistle blows, it is soooo very easy to say you’re going to give your body a break. And you very well deserve that. But retirement from college athletics doesn't mean giving up on a healthy lifestyle. Staying active and maintaining physical well-being is crucial for overall health and your mental well-being.

I gave myself a break and it was like I didn’t know who I was. I thought I’d give myself a break, “listen to my body,” and that I’d have a strong enough mind to jump back in like I was training again. I was irregular with my workouts, I didn’t get myself out of bed to go on a run before work and the gym was too busy after, my confidence dwindled. Exploring other fitness options, such as rec sports, pilates (which is waaaay harder than it looks), or hiking, has definitely helped sustain a healthy routine and provide a fresh perspective on staying fit.

Here are 3 things that I’ve been focusing on the last couple months:

Transferring to Hobbies:

The skills and values you acquire through being a college athlete can still be used outside of athletics. Discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and time management are just a few examples. Reflecting on these skills and finding ways to incorporate them into other aspects of life has been rewarding and just... nice.

Giving Back and Mentoring:

Being a retired athlete gives you a wealth of knowledge and experience that can inspire and guide others. So give back to the sports community by coaching, mentoring aspiring athletes, or volunteering with different programs. Being able to make even a small impact on the next generation of athletes is special.

Embracing New Goals:

Setting new goals is essential for personal growth and motivation. While the goals may shift from athletic achievements to other areas, the same sense of ambition and determination can be applied. Whether it's career aspirations, further education, or personal milestones, setting realistic and meaningful goals can give a sense of purpose and direction in the post-athletic phase.

Being a retired college athlete is a milestone that brings a mix of emotions. It's an opportunity to reflect on the exciting journey as an athlete and embrace the new chapter that lies ahead. By navigating the transition with an open mind, rediscovering passions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, transferring to hobbies, and setting new goals, a retired athlete can continue to thrive in various areas of life. Embrace the lessons learned on the field, and let them shape an exciting and rewarding future beyond athletics.