Thinking about your last practice, final match or the last time you get to perform next to your  team can be sad, exciting, and scary all at the same time. But no matter how you're feeling about closing this chapter, it's an important step that will lead to great things in the future. The best part is: there's life after college sports and being aware of all the values and skills being an athlete gives you is the first step to apply them later on in life. Here's how you can take what you've learned as a college athlete and apply it to the real world. 

You're Driven–Apply That Drive to Your Job

Practicing a sport in college evokes emotions and feelings, but above all, it influences athlete's attitudes and behavior through the values it transmits. Practicing a sport makes athletes put in their 100% effort every day, improve, be perseverant, and disciplined. Additionally sports promote equality, respect, sportsmanship, solidarity and teamwork, to mention a few. All these values and skills will stay forever in an athlete's  life and will help them succeed in any field, work, relationships and facing everyday challenges. 

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

For all athletes having these values in future jobs can be extremely beneficial, and can help you perform exceptionally no matter how hard the situation is. Being on a college team may force you to improve every day, and be the best version of yourself, and any boss would love to have someone like that on their team.  It is possible that along the way things have not been easy but it is in those moments when you learn more and gain more experience that will be useful for future life challenges, another useful trait to have in the middle of a tedious work project or disappointing job search. 

You're a Pro

Another valuable athletic trait is professionalism, which is important in every work environment. Even though under 2 percent of NCAA athletes go on to be professional athletes, there are other ways college athletes practice professionalism in their collegiate careers. Case in point: most college athletes depend on academics to prepare them for life after college. College athletes are very professional because they have to show up on time everyday, show up with the right uniform and with the best attitude to practice all while juggling their academic commitments. These time management skills are key to becoming a successful working professional.

Related: 4 Tips on Time Management for College Athletes

You're a Good Sport

Another important value that sport brings you is respect–towards other competitors, the rules of the sport, coaches, referees and teammates. In the turbulent and convulsive society in which we live, it is essential to have respect for others. We must be respectful and responsible citizens and sport instills this in you during your college sports, preparing you to be a good citizen. 

At the end, it is clear that in the career of any athlete there are good moments and not that good ones. There may even be times when the athlete does not make sense to continue practicing the sport. However, we must keep in mind the famous phrase “sometimes you win and sometimes you learn.” Sport makes every athlete learn exceptional values, it certainly makes you stronger, and teaches you to be a better person, preparing you to excel in every aspect of your life. 

Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Want to set up an interview with us? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on August 8, 2022, by Camila Cramer