transition stories

Once out of college, I was very tired of running after doing it for 7 years competitively, so I struggled a bit to find my “exercise niche.”  It did free me up to try new things, such as racquetball and outdoor adventure activities.  After I finished having my children, I rekindled my love of running and found that it helps with my stress level and also brought me back to a “family of runners.”

Describe your background and experience with sports in general.

As far back into my childhood as I can remember, I played a team sport.  And, I remember my parents always being active and playing sports and watching sports.

Describe what it was like for you to transition out of college sports. What did this experience mean to you at the time?

I remember having a bittersweet feeling. I was happy the four years were over, that I was able to compete all four years, improve personally, and leave a team that was healthy for the future.  But, I also remember feeling sad that I would never be a part of a team like that again. I missed the camaraderie and the “family” that I had everyday.  I did NOT miss two-a-days!

In your experience, explain what the most difficult part of no longer being a college athlete was for you.

I think the hardest part was holding myself accountable to stay active and healthy and to time manage. I also received better grades during the fall semester, even with that being cross country season and being busier- I had to work smarter. In the spring, with more time, I did not have the eustress of more activities, which oftentimes had helped me perform better academically.

Describe any personal strategies, people, or other resources that helped you make a positive transition.

I think for me, learning to find my own personal motivation was important.  Probably for the first time in my life, I was left to find and develop the self-discipline to be active and healthy.  I didn’t have a parent or a coach standing over me to do that for me, and I had to learn to do this for myself.  Taking ownership of my health was key.

How has your physical activity changed since college?

Once out of college, I was very tired of running after doing it for 7 years competitively, so I struggled a bit to find my “exercise niche.”  It did free me up to try new things, such as racquetball and outdoor adventure activities.  After I finished having my children, I rekindled my love of running and found that it helps with my stress level and also brought me back to a “family of runners.” I have enjoyed doing destination runs with friends – Disney World, Charleston, Pittsburgh, etc.

How have your eating habits changed since college?

For one thing, I eat more variety of foods as I have matured.  I also have more control over my options- which in the college cafeteria at the time, options were limited.  I have also adopted a vegetarian lifestyle.  I think sometimes I slip a bit more on always eating well, as I don’t think about the impact of the health of my body as an athlete anymore.  I more look toward the future and make choices based on wanting to stay healthy to watch my children grow up.  Also, adult stress has impacted my eating habits more than college-aged stress did.  I feel I’ve improved my eating habits in many ways, but sometimes lack the motivation for always eating healthy that I had in college.

What advice would you give to current student-athletes as they prepare to make their own transition out of college?

Try new things and find your new “niche.”  Keep in touch with teammates or more make new friends who were college athletes who understand what you may be experiencing.  Look to the future with excitement and know that you accomplished great things being a student-athlete and apply those skills learned in your sport to day-to-day life!  You will be surprised how those experiences have provided you the tools to be successful in other areas of your life.