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What does life look like for athletes after we are all out of eligibility?
Well, we have more than just one choice to make once our time in sports is done.
When that sad day comes, when we play our last game, we have to think “what’s next?” The emotions that come with ending a sport can be sad or exciting. We have different paths that our lives are meant to take and as we grow up. Some athletes are blessed with the chance to play for national teams in other countries and most of us start our career with our degree. Some can lose their sense of identity because sports are all they’ve ever known. So what does gaining our true identity look like, and how do we cope with the step forward away from sports?
After you are done here at Ottawa you probably, you are either are wanting out of this small town or you are going to be a Graduate Assistant for your coach. Those are the two high probabilities that we have here. Ask yourself: what are your dreams outside of sports? What is it that you want out of your career, or life? Can you fulfill those dreams? (The answer: OF COURSE!)
Find yourself in a group where you feel most at home, a group where you know you are working for something together, or even to better yourself for a great future. Here in Ottawa, that is what we are reminded of when we are on the field or court. We put those hard hours in the gym and on our “stage” because we are all hungry for one thing: the dubs and national titles. When you’re done with sports, put that hunger into money, self care, family and your love for the important people still in your life.
Sports are a gateway and an escape for a lot of us, and when our time is done, we have to find our gateway in something else. Find something that you never knew you had such high passion about. Really work hard at it and get really good at it. Reward yourself and watch others reward you too. Just because sports are done doesn’t mean you lose yourself; it was a path to grow and to learn and we are all still so very young.
Use the knowledge you gained from your coaches and teammates, put the passion and love into the new life you will create for yourself. I promise you this: it will be one hell of a roller coaster, because life wouldn’t be fun without them, but everyone has a purpose. After a door closes, another one will open. Just remember to be patient with this new life because things will fall in place for you once they’re meant to happen.