Dealing with Transition & Grief after the end of Collegiate Play

Baylor

Approximately 20% of student athletes struggle with their transition out of sport even when the end of their collegiate career is expected. It’s reasonable to assume that a larger number struggle with this transition when the end is unexpected. Even if you plan to transition into professional sports, your college career is an important chapter in your life. You probably thought about the fact that this was going to be your last college season and all the emotions that might come when you played your last game. Right now, you might be feeling the emotions you anticipated would be present at the end of the season and more, as the season has come to an unexpected and abrupt end much sooner than you anticipated.

Here are a couple of tips to help keep you in the 80% of student-athletes that report having a healthy transition out of collegiate sports:

Positively reflect on your sport career:
- What did you learn by being an athlete?
- What opportunities are you the most grateful for?
- What accomplishments are you the most proud of?
- What are some of your favorite memories from your collegiate career?
Plan for the future:
- Make an appointment with Character Formation to plan for your career.
- Identity your goals for your future (e.g. career, fitness, relationship, personal).
Strengthen your social support:
- Find ways to stay connect to your sport network.
- Mentor, coach, or volunteer with younger athletes.
- Start developing relationships with people outside of sports.
Other things to consider:
- Maintain a regular schedule – Student-Athletes are typically use to structure.
- Identify enjoyable parts of sports that you could transition with you.
  - The team aspect = find a group to join
  - The physical aspect = create workout and fitness plans
Remember the positives that will come from your transition (ex: more time for other hobbies, being able to set your own schedule).

If you notice signs of a difficult transition, it’s okay to ask for help. Signs of a difficult transition include:

Depression
Feelings of hopelessness
Feeling isolated
Decreased confidence
Overwhelming feelings of loss
Loss of identity

You might also experience feelings of grief about losing the end of your college career. Common signs of grief include:

Shock
Disbelief
Helplessness
Regret
Guilt
Anger
Sadness

Initially finding it difficult to transition and grieving are both normal reactions. However, If your symptoms persist longer than a couple of weeks OR if you start to feel like life is not worth living, you cannot complete your daily task, or notice any negative physical symptoms (i.e. insomnia/hypersomnia, change in appetite, loss of energy, inability to focus), then please consider making an appointment with a counselor.

Athletics Mental Health Services

Baylor University Counseling Center

Athletes moving on is also a great resource for athletes who are trying to make a healthy transition out of sport.

If you have any additional questions you can email AMHS@baylor.edu or text 254-229-0947.