Let's face it: sooner or later, every athlete's career comes to a close. So what do you do when that happens? To help current athletes navigate life after college sports, we asked the 2aDays Reddit community: “What advice do retired college athletes have for current college athletes?” We got plenty of great answers for athletes who are curious about life after college sports. Here are the best responses.
Wise Advice, Athlete or Not
lauraellis84: Take care of your body.
Related: 5 Reasons to Take Rest Days Seriously
It's Okay to Have Fun!
oOoleveloOo: I prioritized fun over academics and baseball. I knew what I was doing. I don't regret it, but I do know that I didn't fulfill my potential to 100%
Mental Health Matters
kaw027: The advice I would have given myself is that your sport won't be your whole life after you graduate, prioritize your mental health accordingly
Related: Managing Mental Health On and Off the Field: 4 Tips for Athletes
JUCO Advice
urlocalgoatfarmer: Only ever played small time JUCO baseball. I will say it is easy to only focus on practice, games, and everything in between, but for the vast majority of student-athletes, what is happening in the classroom is more important for their future. Don't forget about that side of things. And just enjoy it. Can't tell you how much I miss being out on the field now.
Related: NCAA or Bust? 2 Things Potential JUCO Athletes Should Consider in Their Recruiting Process
The Basics Count!
Potential_East_311: I wish I would have [eaten] better, slept better and drank a lil less
One More Tip
As a former college athlete myself, I would only add that it's important to find identity outside of your sport while you are in college. When I retired, I knew it was coming for months, but not having my sport all of a sudden still felt like a slap in the face. It took me a long time to find another outlet, but this former distance runner loves lifting weights now. Fitness can be fun and you don't have to take it so seriously after college (if you decide to keep working out at all). Find ways to enjoy life—and preferably healthy movement—outside of your sport and remember: your life isn't over just because your athletic career is.
What advice would you add to our list? Join the 2aDays Reddit community here or email us at [email protected] to connect and let us know!
* Originally published on January 25, 2023, by Katie Lever, Ph. D
