During a recent conversation with a former player, I found myself reflecting on my approach to helping athletes transition to collegiate-level sports. While we understand that transitioning from high school athletics to college requires adapting to a higher level of competition, the conversation took an unexpected turn. My former player shared their struggle with transitioning away from their sport after graduating from college.
He shared with me his struggles with no longer being part of an athletic team and environment. These included feelings of loneliness and being lost without the constant day-to-day interactions of preparing for competition and being surrounded by motivated individuals. This conversation prompted me to delve deeper into this phenomenon my former player shared. In doing so, I stumbled upon a study by Harry and Weight (2021).
Harry and Weight (2021) found that former college athletes experienced varied transitions, with some finding it smooth due to strong interpersonal support and identity development outside of sports, while others struggled with identity loss and, at times, depression. These findings make it a call to action for coaches, especially college coaches, who see the majority of their athletes coming to an end of their competitive careers. Harry and Weight (2021) cite Jowett's (2007) 3Cs model, which entails three constructs: closeness, commitment, and complementarity.
Unsurprisingly, Harry and Weight (2021) found the 3Cs facilitated smoother transitions by providing emotional and practical support. To help with the transition away from sports, athletes need strong support systems, including family and coaches, which are crucial in assisting athletes to navigate post-college transitions successfully. The participants who had difficult transitions were marked by a lack of readiness, loss of purpose, and inadequate support, highlighting the importance of early and ongoing transition planning and support from coaches and family. These findings underscore the significant role coaches and support networks play in facilitating successful transitions for athletes from collegiate sports to post-collegiate life, emphasizing the need for holistic identity development and preparation for life after sports.
Reflecting on my conversation with a former player, I wondered whether he had a college coach who supported him and his teammates beyond their four years together. I urge all coaches to contemplate how we assist athletes in transitioning from high school to college and from college to the "real world." Take a moment to assess how you support your athletes beyond the game and reassess your methods for aiding them in a smoother transition beyond their athletic careers.
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References
Harry, M., & Weight, E. (2021). Post-collegiate athlete transitions and the influence of a coach. Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education, 15(3), 219-244. https://doi.org/10.1080/19357397.2021.1916338
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