Transitioning from Athlete to Professional: What Comes Next?
After I finished my last competeive game, I stuggled a lot with questions of who I am. Last week, we talked about how I answered some of those questions. This week, we will dive further into how I understood some of the skills that I had to help me find a professional career.
When I finished playing I was fortunate to have finished my graduate degree. The biggest issue I had was that I needed to find a job… and quickly! I did what every graduate does, and filled out applications any and everywhere. I also asked mentors if they had any leads for anything.
One of the disadvantages to being an athlete (there arent many in my opinion) is that because you are so consumed with the busyness of life as an athlete, you often miss out on other opportunities that other students receive because they have more availability. For example, there is only a short window when a basketball player can do an internship. The internship also must fit into the schedule of the athlete. This limits exposure the athlete may have in different work environments.
Thankfully, one of the bright sides to being an athlete is the connections you make along the way if you are being intentional. It is very key that athletes understand that playing a sport is great, but this is also an opportunity to use your platform to influence and connect with others. One of the connections I made was with my university president. I was called to give a speech at a donor event that the school was putting on. When I arrived at the event, I was seated with the president and his wife, the mayor and his wife, and the chair of the regents, and his wife. Talk about being in big company! I had made freethrows in front of thousands of people and had opposing fans shout all sorts of things to me but this was one of the more nerve racking things that I can recall.
Long story short, I overcame my fear of public speaking really quickly and was able to network with the people at my table. Towards the end, the question was posed to me of “What’s next?” Embarassingly, and regrettably, I said “I just want to find a job.” Albeit, that answer was honest, I do wish that I had more of a direct answer at the time. At the moment, my confidence was completely crumbled from the interview and rejection process.
Sports has a weird affect on athletes who stay in it for awhile. So often, athletes are told to practice, practice, practice. This is for good reason! We want to rid ourselves of any imperfections that we may have. Elite athletes in turn, become perfectionists. In the sports world, that is a great trait to have. In the “real world” it becomes a detriment. Learning to let things go and move on was a tough lesson for me.
Fortunately, God was gracious and I was offered a job soon after the donor event. I do think that networking with others played a huge part for me. Little did I know, just getting the job would be the start of having to learn how to transition into being a professional.
On the first day of any sports practice, you usually meet the team, start doing some drills, and learn some of the lingo that you might use for plays. The workplace is very similar. There is a whole professional jargon that I had to learn (especially in education). It felt like learning a new playbook, only this time, it involved terms like "scaffolding" and "differentiation."
One of the first terms I heard was “scaffolding.” In sports, scaffolding might sound like building the foundation for a play or strategy. In education, it refers to providing support to students in layers until they can perform a task independently. This made me realize how transferable the concept of “building layers” from sports to the workplace could be. Every skill and every task was like a drill leading up to game day. Once I understood this mindset, adapting to the new environment became a little easier. I realized that much like breaking down a new play, success in the workplace came from building on smaller accomplishments and creating a strong foundation.
Another key adjustment was learning to take constructive criticism in a new way. As an athlete, feedback is constant—sometimes harsh and in the moment. In a professional setting, feedback is often more structured but can feel just as personal. I had to remind myself that, just like on the court, criticism wasn’t about tearing me down but about helping me grow. Over time, I learned to accept feedback as a valuable tool rather than a personal critique. This shift in perspective made me more open to learning and improving.
Networking continued to play a major role in my career development. While I didn’t fully appreciate its importance early on, I’ve learned that genuine relationships built on mutual respect and authenticity are invaluable. Just as I relied on my teammates to achieve success in sports, I’ve found that collaborating and connecting with colleagues is essential for thriving in a professional environment. These relationships have not only opened doors but also provided a support system as I navigated the challenges of transitioning. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that success is rarely achieved alone.
Over time, I also discovered that the discipline and work ethic I honed as an athlete were some of my greatest strengths. Showing up early, being prepared, and striving for excellence were second nature to me, and they quickly set me apart in my new role. It turns out, the same qualities that make a great athlete—dedication, resilience, and adaptability—are the same ones that make a great professional. The more I leaned into these traits, the more confident I became in my ability to succeed in my new environment. I began to see how the lessons I’d learned on the court were shaping me into someone capable of thriving in any arena.
Transitioning from athlete to professional was far from easy, but it taught me lessons I’ll carry for a lifetime. If you’re in the same place I was, my advice is to embrace the skills and experiences you’ve gained through sports. They’re more valuable than you might realize. And remember, every setback is just another opportunity to practice, adjust, and come back stronger—both on and off the field. The journey may be challenging, but with perseverance and a willingness to learn, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every step forward, no matter how small, is proof of your ability to adapt and grow.
Key Takeaways for Athletes Going into Professional Careers
Leverage Your Skills: Identify the transferable skills you’ve gained from sports, such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience, and showcase them in your professional endeavors.
Embrace Networking: Use the connections you’ve made as an athlete to open doors and explore opportunities. Building authentic relationships is key.
Learn to Adapt: Be open to learning new jargon, processes, and workflows. Viewing challenges as opportunities will help you transition more smoothly.
Accept Imperfection: Perfectionism can be a strength in sports, but in the professional world, it’s important to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process.
Stay Confident: Even if you’re unsure of your next steps, articulate your goals as best you can and trust in your ability to figure it out along the way.
Seek Support: Surround yourself with mentors, colleagues, and friends who can guide and encourage you during this transition.
Remember, your journey is unique, and the skills you’ve cultivated as an athlete are powerful tools for success. Take one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to lean on your experiences to build a bright future.
One Last Thing
If you are an athlete or know someone who is about to go into this transition of life after sports, please reach out to me. Sharing this post also helps other find the work that I am doing in this area. You can also check out my website nextplayproject.com for more information.
Thank you all again for your continued support. If there is any topic that you specifically want to hear or questions you would like answered, reach out and let me know.