Athletes can have a difficult time of transition because they spend their whole lives working toward a collegiate and professional career in their sport of choice. Every evening, weekend, and holiday are spent in the gym, the driveway, a game, or a tournament. All of this hard work developing skills is for the ultimate goal of a scholarship or a contract.
Unfortunately, injury can create a sudden transition out of their sport. During times of transition, one can have many questions about their purpose. Without time to prepare for the transition, these athletes are left with the questions: “What do I do now?” “I don’t know anything other than basketball (or football, or gymnastics, etc), so what is next?”
Here are two links to the story of an athlete who was left with these questions and many more after his career ended suddenly.
As a mental health professional who loves working with fellow athletes, I want to help spread this story of an exceptional young athlete who needed help during his time of transition. Please comment or email below if you have any questions or thoughts about transitions out of your sport.
Adam R Glendye MA MFT, LAPC
aglendye@ GROWcounseling.com