Paw Print Writer: Precious Robinson
I'm sure many students have thought about life after college; look for a job within your field of study and start making money. That is always a great way to begin the process of that transition. However, for student-athletes, a topic that is not talked about often is the transition out of college sports. It can be a very difficult process for many people because sports are a large part of a student athlete's life. In the month of April, many people on campus are looking forward to graduating and receiving their degree, but there's usually a sadness that comes with the realization that they will no longer be college competitors. Of course, they can still do some of these activities on their own, but the sense of belonging to a team will lessen as this transition continues. As mentioned before, this can be more difficult for some athletes than others because their lives revolve around their sport and everything it entails. Many of the friends they have and the social gatherings they attend include people from their team. Even when attending sporting events after leaving, there is usually a sense of feeling lost because there is no one cheering them on, or no connection to others who do not live the same lifestyle. This is why it's important to talk about the challenges of this transition and suggest some solutions to make that adjustment easier.
The main reason for athletes having to make this change is eligibility. Although Covid-19 was a rather rough period for everyone, it came with some benefits for the athletes that were already in college. Many of them received an extra year or two to compete again, eligibility will eventually run out. Other factors of eligibility from the NCAA include requirements like academic standards, amateurism rules, and sport-specific criteria. This causes a lot of major alterations because running out of eligibility can have an impact on the student athletes financial and career paths. Many athletes here receive some sort of athletic scholarships, so when they are done competing collegiately, they may not have the means to pay for school anymore. So, this factor alone can make it difficult for them to continue pursuing their education or career goals. Some athletes decide to pursue their sport professionally, which is encouraged but also can be a lengthy and uncertain process.
As mentioned before, transitioning from college sports to a rather normal lifestyle comes with a loss of structure and community for the individual. There is usually a very strict schedule for student-athletes to follow, which is made easier because there are people who are doing the exact same thing. Having multiple classes and multiple practice sessions in a day, going on long trips, and competing with others; is an experience that is very unique. Because of this, the athlete may struggle to make a new routine that gives them the same sense of purpose and lifestyle. Not only do they have to readjust to these changes, but they also have to accept that they are no longer a part of a team. They spent years building connections with people who love many of the same things they do, and have common goals in mind. It can be challenging to find people who are just as passionate about one's own interests, but it is definitely possible.
So, a few ways to make the transition easier for college athletes is to first check to see if there are any resources from the college or university that address the topic. Things here at Adams State University like counseling services, financial planning, and mental health support services can aid in easing the adjustment.
Another way is for athletes themselves to take steps to prepare for this transition. This might include finding new hobbies or interests that give them a sense of purpose and community outside of sports or seeking out mentorship and support from former athletes who have already gone through this process.
In conclusion, transitioning out of college sports can be challenging for many athletes. It's important to talk about these challenges and offer solutions to make the process easier. By providing more resources, revising eligibility rules, and encouraging athletes to prepare for this transition, we can help them build fulfilling and successful lives beyond the field.
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