Stepping Off The Field: How To Handle Retirement From Sports & Competition

ByMyriam Glez

5 min read

Stepping Off The Field: How To Handle Retirement From Sports & Competition

You may have decided to end your career at the top of your game. Maybe your body started to break down and you had to retire. Or, perhaps it just happened to you and you didn’t have a choice: another competitor was better and you didn’t make the cut, or you suffered a career-ending injury.

Voluntarily or not, planned or not, whatever the reason, you got to the end of your sporting career. We all do. That’s it. Now what?

We have all asked ourselves this question at one point in life, and it can be very daunting. The good news is that there is a life after sports, and it can be as good and fulfilling as you want it to be. But this life doesn’t happen overnight and it requires some work and commitment—just like in sports. You cannot become an expert in another field without time, dedication and hard work.

It is important that you take the time to deal with your transition in order to move forward with  your life. And if you don’t do so and leave some things unfinished or un-dealt with, it will resurface later in life.

We have seen many athletes who didn’t take the time or wanted to break away completely from sports once it was over. But down the road, life events made these feelings resurface and all of a sudden they realize it was holding them back.

For example, if you retired because you being outperformed by your competitors, you may deal with low self-esteem and confidence years after your career is over. Or if you didn’t take the time to process your change of identity and to explore what you wanted to do, you may end up having to make a new career change five years after retirement.

Transitioning from sports is a multifaceted process and isn’t simply just getting a new job. You are a human being with complex emotions. Embarking on a new career doesn’t eliminate the psychological and physical changes you may experience throughout the transition.

Reading and learning about the transition before retiring can help better prepare for it. There is a lot of literature and materials available about athletic retirement as well as the process of change. You can find some information on the Athletes Soul website and/or on the website of your university, sport federation or league, etc. Discussing with former athletes who have already transitioned, reading testimonials or listening to podcasts can provide some interesting perspectives as well.

We also recommend you seek assistance from a professional who can serve as you neutral advisor, helping you set reasonable expectations, not rushing through the process and giving you perspective on your situation. Taking the time to try new things and enjoy new activities are also key elements to a smooth and successful transition.

Tips for a smooth transition

Every athlete’s situation is different. Your transition from sport will be unique and will depend on multiple factors:

How did your transition come about? Was is voluntary or not? Did you achieve your goal in sports? Are you satisfied with your career? Did you prepare for the transition? Did you pursue an academic career? Do you have a support network and assistance from friends and family? What is your financial situation? How did you associate with your sport? Was your whole identity linked to your sporting career?

Ideally you want to prepare for your transition well before your retirement. Psychologists agree that it should be a lifelong project initiated in childhood. But if you have not been able to prepare, all is not lost. With the help of professional coaches, sport psychologists, nutritionists, personal trainers, friends and family, you can make a smooth transition.

In addition, here are some tips from Athletes Soul to help you during your transition.

What to consider before retiring from sports:

  • Throughout your childhood and athletic career, develop interests and networks outside of sports and build a well-rounded community. Understand that your identity is not what you do, but the qualities and values you develop from these experiences that make you who you are.
  • A few years before retiring, invest more time in your preparation: explore interests outside of sports, grow your social network, participate in various events, find some internships or mingle with sponsors. How can you channel your skills as an athlete to new ventures? Also consider what drives and inspires you. Working with a team? Seeing results? Competition to get to the next level? Consider what may be a good fit for you moving forward.
  • Learn and familiarize yourself with the process of transition and ensure that your close friends and family also understand and know what to expect.
  • Continue your academic education so you have something to support you when you retire. Consider taking a job during your sporting career even if it is just during the off-season or in between seasons. Start saving money now to have time to figure things out when you finally decide to retire.

Things to think about after retirement from sports:

  • Be ready for the transition to take time and accept the need to grieve your former life. It is ok to be sad and sometimes depressed. Be patient and accepting through this journey.
  • Consider a deceleration plan especially in the areas of nutrition, exercise and sleep and establish good health habits straight away (for example, setting up a daily routine).
  • Create your own support group of people you feel comfortable speaking to and asking for help if needed: family, friends, mentors, former teammates or coaches.
  • Initiate work to explore and redefine your new role. Do not skip this, as finding purpose and aligning your future projects with your core values is the foundation to your next chapter of life.
  • Throughout the transition, consider working with professionals who can guide you: life coaches, psychologists, nutritionists, personal trainers, etc.
  • Don’t forget to explore techniques and practices to support your mental health, well-being and spirituality such as relaxation, breathing exercises, meditation, writing a journal, going in nature, communion, etc.

Are you an Athlete?

Create a free profile to access the largest network specifically designed to connect athletes to opportunities. Get started.

RELATED ARTICLES
The company behind Elite 11 knows more than just quarterbacks

The company behind Elite 11 knows more than just quarterbacks

Student Sports is a company dedicated to organizing and promoting sports events and programs for...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Apr 10 2023
Digital Talent Identification: Volleyball Canada's Solution for Saving Athletes Thousands

Digital Talent Identification: Volleyball Canada's Solution for Saving Athletes Thousands

The average family of a youth volleyball player will spend $30,000 a year to compete at an elite...

ByJoey Grant | Tue Jan 24 2023
What is a 'Draw'? And Why Ties Still Exist in the World's Most Popular Sport

What is a 'Draw'? And Why Ties Still Exist in the World's Most Popular Sport

When it comes to the growing popularity of soccer in the United States, perhaps one of the...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Nov 23 2022
Soccer Coaching: The four most popular formations and why they work

Soccer Coaching: The four most popular formations and why they work

In soccer, formations define the different positions on the field taken by each player of a...

ByScotty Jenkins | Fri Nov 18 2022
Will Universities And Gambling Platforms Ever Join Forces?

Will Universities And Gambling Platforms Ever Join Forces?

There’s an interesting dichotomy between sports and gambling. They’re natural partners, and...

ByAndrew Pistone | Tue Oct 18 2022
Sports Psychology: What traits of character are needed for an athlete to win?

Sports Psychology: What traits of character are needed for an athlete to win?

What do you think of when you think about the top super star athletes around the world? It can be...

ByGrace White | Mon Oct 10 2022
How to Handle College Media As a Mid-Major Athlete

How to Handle College Media As a Mid-Major Athlete

Generally speaking playing at a mid-major Division I school means not having to worry about seeing...

ByJamison White | Sun Oct 09 2022
Johnson V NCAA: The Next Case That Can ReShape the future of the NCAA

Johnson V NCAA: The Next Case That Can ReShape the future of the NCAA

By now we are all familiar with the Alston case that shifted the dynamics of college sports, as...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Oct 06 2022
College Lacrosse: Quick Guide To Watching The Sport This Season

College Lacrosse: Quick Guide To Watching The Sport This Season

First time watching lacrosse? Kinda complicated, right? Well, basically you're just trying to get...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Oct 05 2022
How Recruits Can Ask A School For More Athletic Scholarship Money

How Recruits Can Ask A School For More Athletic Scholarship Money

Athletes and parents often ask for college scholarship money during the athletic recruiting...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Sep 21 2022
Frequently Asked Questions For GMTM Users

Frequently Asked Questions For GMTM Users

Being a new platform working to revolutionize the way athletes are connected with opportunities is...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Sep 19 2022
USA Football Partners With GMTM   For National Team Identification

USA Football Partners With GMTM For National Team Identification

Football continues to be America's most popular sport. As another season is underway, football fans...

ByScotty Jenkins | Sat Aug 27 2022
NIL In High School: Which States Give HS Athletes Name, Image, Likeness Rights?

NIL In High School: Which States Give HS Athletes Name, Image, Likeness Rights?

In only a few months since legislation passed in early July, the ability for college athletes to...

ByScotty Jenkins | Sun Aug 14 2022
Why Track & Field Athletes and Runners Should Never Ignore Foot Pain

Why Track & Field Athletes and Runners Should Never Ignore Foot Pain

Full-time track athletes will put in hundreds of hours of workouts each year to help elevate their...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Aug 11 2022
How Lacrosse Has Continued To Grow In Popularity Across America

How Lacrosse Has Continued To Grow In Popularity Across America

Lacrosse is frequently referred to as “the fastest sport on two feet” and its growth over the last...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Aug 03 2022
College Wrestling: NCAA Innovations That Every Wrestler Should Be Paying Attention To

College Wrestling: NCAA Innovations That Every Wrestler Should Be Paying Attention To

As one of the world’s oldest sports and centerpiece of the Olympics, wrestling is rooted in deep...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Jul 25 2022
What College Coaches Are Looking for in a Recruit

What College Coaches Are Looking for in a Recruit

Playing for a college team takes more than talent or level of skill, and coaches are looking for...

ByRebekah Morris | Wed Jul 20 2022
Beach Volleyball Rules: How The Sand Differs From Indoor Volleyball

Beach Volleyball Rules: How The Sand Differs From Indoor Volleyball

What can be better than watching volleyball? Not much... besides watching volleyball on the beach!...

ByRebekah Morris | Mon Jul 18 2022
Volleyball: How To Become A Better Setter

Volleyball: How To Become A Better Setter

In volleyball, the setter controls the offense by turning the first pass into a hittable ball. They...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Jul 13 2022
Volleyball: Three Best Drills & Workouts To Improve Your Setting

Volleyball: Three Best Drills & Workouts To Improve Your Setting

Setters are key members of a team’s offense. They are skilled in the overhand set, speed, accuracy,...

ByRebekah Morris | Tue Jul 12 2022
Recruiting Advice: Don’t Let Your Sport Become A Chore

Recruiting Advice: Don’t Let Your Sport Become A Chore

For many athletes the grind as the sport gets more and more involved as the level of play goes up....

ByJamison White | Fri Jun 24 2022
Women's Basketball: Meet The Michael Jordan Of The Women's Game

Women's Basketball: Meet The Michael Jordan Of The Women's Game

Although there are many modern day women trying to replace the OG Michael Jordan of women’s...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Jun 13 2022
Six Most Common Volleyball Injuries & How To Prevent Them

Six Most Common Volleyball Injuries & How To Prevent Them

What are the top volleyball injuries and what are the best tips to avoid them? As volleyball...

ByGrace White | Fri May 13 2022
Volleyball Players: Here are Four Ways to Boost Your Recruitment

Volleyball Players: Here are Four Ways to Boost Your Recruitment

No matter how talented or hardworking you are as an athlete, there are ways to boost your...

ByRebekah Morris | Mon May 09 2022
How Athletes Can Avoid High School Sports Injuries

How Athletes Can Avoid High School Sports Injuries

It is every athlete's worst nightmare, you work hard and train for months in the offseason to...

ByAria Modirmassihai | Wed May 04 2022
Five Things To Consider Before Your Child Starts Weight Lifting

Five Things To Consider Before Your Child Starts Weight Lifting

One of the most unique things happening in sports right now is the development of athletes at...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Apr 14 2022
Beyond Sports: Three Benefits Of Finding Yourself Off Of The Field

Beyond Sports: Three Benefits Of Finding Yourself Off Of The Field

By Q. Williams: A mindset & performance coach for Athletes Beyond...

ByScotty Jenkins | Tue Apr 05 2022
A Quick Guide To The Rules of Field Hockey

A Quick Guide To The Rules of Field Hockey

Field hockey has existed for hundreds of years. It’s an incredible sport that has been passed down...

ByScotty Jenkins | Thu Mar 10 2022
Life After Sports: Advice For Adjusting To Life Without Training And Competition

Life After Sports: Advice For Adjusting To Life Without Training And Competition

When you have been an athlete for as long as you can remember, it is hard to imagine a life without...

ByMyriam Glez | Sun Mar 06 2022
Stepping Off The Field: How To Handle Retirement From Sports & Competition

Stepping Off The Field: How To Handle Retirement From Sports & Competition

You may have decided to end your career at the top of your game. Maybe your body started to break...

ByMyriam Glez | Sun Jan 23 2022
Sportico Launches College Athletics Financial Database

Sportico Launches College Athletics Financial Database

As the landscape surrounding dollars and cents in college athletics has been significantly impacted...

ByAndrew Pistone | Thu Jan 06 2022
NCAA Graduation Rate: Student-Athletes Graduate In Record Numbers Last Year

NCAA Graduation Rate: Student-Athletes Graduate In Record Numbers Last Year

As the chatter surrounding players leaving school early, and their ability to profit handsomely...

ByAndrew Pistone | Sat Dec 18 2021
Women's Basketball: How the sport evolved into the popular WNBA

Women's Basketball: How the sport evolved into the popular WNBA

Women's basketball has come to stay, after many years of turbulence and a lot of challenges. 1891...

ByScotty Jenkins | Mon Dec 06 2021
New Jersey Continues To Say “No” To Local College Sports Betting

New Jersey Continues To Say “No” To Local College Sports Betting

As states around the country continue to ponder whether or not to delve into the revenue stream...

ByAndrew Pistone | Sun Dec 05 2021
NCAA Launches Program To Increase Student-Athlete Financial Literacy

NCAA Launches Program To Increase Student-Athlete Financial Literacy

The NCAA and its student-athletes have entered a whole new world with regards to finances. With...

ByAndrew Pistone | Sun Nov 28 2021
Gender Equity Examination In College Sports Continues For NCAA

Gender Equity Examination In College Sports Continues For NCAA

As the NCAA continues [https://ncaagenderequityreview.com/]to assess itself in an effort to make...

ByAndrew Pistone | Fri Nov 19 2021
How Will Trading Cards Factor Into The NIL Era?

How Will Trading Cards Factor Into The NIL Era?

Growing up, it is always fun to collect trading cards of your favorite professional athletes. For...

ByAndrew Pistone | Tue Nov 09 2021
Standardized Test Score Importance To Be Reduced By NCAA?

Standardized Test Score Importance To Be Reduced By NCAA?

We often focus on the “athlete” portion of the student-athlete designation, but the educational...

ByAndrew Pistone | Wed Nov 03 2021
Team Impact: Bringing Smiles To Kids’ Faces Through College Sports

Team Impact: Bringing Smiles To Kids’ Faces Through College Sports

In the heat of athletic competition, players are doing everything they can in order to bring home a...

ByAndrew Pistone | Wed Oct 27 2021
First Point Volleyball Foundation Focused On Growing The Sport

First Point Volleyball Foundation Focused On Growing The Sport

As we continue to return to life as we knew it before the pandemic began, fans, coaches and...

ByAndrew Pistone | Wed Oct 27 2021
NCAA Grants Temporary Football Scholarship Limit Relief For One Year

NCAA Grants Temporary Football Scholarship Limit Relief For One Year

Given the unique times that we live in, the NCAA has decided to allow for unprecedented flexibility...

ByAndrew Pistone | Sun Oct 24 2021
Most Frequently Asked Questions About Volleyball

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Volleyball

One thing that I find changes overall enjoyment in not only watching sports but sometimes even in...

ByGrace White | Thu Oct 14 2021
Athletes are Leaving High School Early to Cash In

Athletes are Leaving High School Early to Cash In

Can high school athletes make money? How is it that big name athletes cannot yet make money off of...

ByGrace White | Tue Oct 12 2021
Miramar College Athletics Features Mother And Son Duo

Miramar College Athletics Features Mother And Son Duo

You’ve heard of the Lopez brothers in basketball, who starred for the Stanford Cardinal for two...

ByAndrew Pistone | Tue Oct 12 2021
How To Register Multiple People For A GMTM Event

How To Register Multiple People For A GMTM Event

At GMTM, our goal is to help athletes find opportunities in sports, no matter how young they...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Oct 06 2021
What Is The Knight Commission? And How Can It Redistribute College Sports Revenue?

What Is The Knight Commission? And How Can It Redistribute College Sports Revenue?

If there’s a lightning rod pairing of topics that goes hand in hand in college sports, in the NCAA...

ByAndrew Pistone | Tue Oct 05 2021
How To Register For The Grrridiron Girls Flag Football Camp

How To Register For The Grrridiron Girls Flag Football Camp

Grrridiron Girls is starting their Fall 2021 Tour in October and they want to meet females who are...

ByScotty Jenkins | Wed Sep 22 2021
Marijuana and Athletes: Does it help or hurt athletic performance?

Marijuana and Athletes: Does it help or hurt athletic performance?

Athletes are held to a golden standard. Up until their college debut, they are thought to avoid...

ByAlexis Peltzer-Harding | Mon Sep 13 2021
COVID-19’s Effects on 2021 Fall Sports on College Campus

COVID-19’s Effects on 2021 Fall Sports on College Campus

Since the Pandemic started and many Spring athletes had to miss out on their 2020 season, coaches...

ByAlexis Peltzer-Harding | Sat Sep 11 2021
Simone Biles withdraws from individual all-around final at Tokyo Olympics

Simone Biles withdraws from individual all-around final at Tokyo Olympics

Coming from a growing brain/mental health enthusiast, I can only imagine just how hard it would be...

ByGrace White | Sun Aug 01 2021