I usually write about topics that focus on the transition of professional athletes following their careers, but in this unprecedented moment of time in the sports world introduced by the COVID-19, I need to go beyond pro sports and discuss sports careers cut short at ALL levels.
The news resounds with the cancellation of NBA, NHL, and MLB games which are newsworthy in themselves, but what about the high school and college athletes who may likely not see a well-deserved finish to their senior years? Athletes who have committed four plus years getting to what should be the pinnacle of their lives as an amateur athlete.
High school and college basketball, volleyball, fencing, bowling, gymnastics, hockey, skiing, swimming and diving ended mid-stream and Spring sports that may not start altogether.
How do you tell your high school or college senior that their sports career ended this way? Without an opportunity to make that run toward a state championship or the NCAA Final Four. At least, when you got knocked out in a tournament you knew you got beat by a team who performed better that day. How do you tell your senior you were not beat by a better team but a mitigation protocol designed to flatten the curve?
Many seniors can hope they have an opportunity to play at the next level; high school to college and college to pro, but what about the majority who will not? NCAA statistics show that under 2% of college athletes will have an opportunity to play professionally, and the high school stat is even lower.
It goes back to an undeniable truth that at some point an athletic career will be over, whether high school, college, or pro. Can one continue to play sports...absolutely! But replacing what comes with playing for a high school, college, or professional team is irreplaceable, in my opinion.
So what is the best way for a senior player to abruptly transition from what should have been their swan song?
Through my own transition as a professional basketball player and someone who works closely with Hall of Fame and World Champion former professional athletes, I've discovered there are 5 keys or commonalities of success for transitioning from sports.
These 5 RULES, as I call them, have catapulted me like rocket-fuel into the next successful phases of my life as a counselor, Emmy Award Winning TV Producer, best-selling author, and business owner.
R=REFOCUS
The first key to facing rapid change is to refocus, and the best way to refocus is to evaluate current goals and develop new goals. By doing so, new passion and purpose can be developed, which is especially important to athletes who thrive on passion. ACTION - Define your goals.
U=USE NETWORK
Most of us have a vast network of people around us. It's important to tap into that network and find strategic relationships that may help accomplish your new goal(s). I do not advocate for 'using and abusing' people for your own gain but recommend creating win-win relationships with those who can help. ACTION - List the people who may help you accomplish your new goals.
L=LET GO
Bar none, the most difficult aspect for transitioning athletes. We've been ingrained with an attitude of never giving up, do not quit, and fall down seven, get up eight. Albeit very difficult, letting go is imperative in order for an athlete to move forward. Letting go of failures AND successes is essential for moving forward. ACTION - What is it you need to let go?
E=EXECUTE
Creating success, especially while in transition is not a one-and-done deal. Knowing what to do isn't good enough if you don't have the discipline to do it, and continuing efforts toward new-found success is a must. ACTION - List your commitments and actions you will go to help create success.
S=SOMEONE
Having someone, a mentor, so-to-speak, can help transition smoother and faster, especially if that someone is where you want to be. ACTION - Who in your network would make a great mentor for you and your goals?
So as tens of thousands of high school and college seniors abruptly end their athletic careers remember the 5 RULES for success, so you can Face Change Like a Champion!
To find out more about me, my TV show, and speaking go to: www.KurtDavid.com
