Overcoming Premature Exits From Sports

.....For each athlete, the end of their career has a different meaning. For some, it may mean a loss of Structure- no longer having coaches guiding you on what to do to stay ready for play; no dieticians guiding your diet and food timing or choices; no practice schedule that may even direct when you sleep and wake. Practical losses such as losses of amenities- free or subsidized food/clothes/shoes/housing/medical treatment- may now prove real logistical challenges when they were previously not even conscious considerations.

If you`ve been an athlete for much of your life, it becomes a part of who you are, causing the end of your sport also to represent a loss of Identity.

Some athletes may lament missed ceremonies/awards/audiences and struggle with a need for external validation. You may be facing the loss of opportunity: Qualifying events, opportunities to break records, setting new PRs. If you`ve been an athlete for much of your life, it becomes a part of who you are, causing the end of your sport also to represent a loss of Identity.

However, one challenge that makes unexpected exits particularly hard is the loss of closure: Is this goodbye? How do you say goodbye to that part of your life? Do you transform this part of your life into something else? How do you acknowledge and celebrate for yourself what you accomplished?.....

   ...more

Bethany`s Notes: A great read for those who may be grieving the loss of their sport, a season, or even their interest in pursing other things in life. The end of a career of sports has different meanings and those supporting the student need to listen and support.