The season is over, the school year has wrapped up, and now it’s time to take a step back and reflect. Whether your season went exactly as planned or fell short of expectations, self-evaluation is a crucial step in growth—both as an athlete and as a person. By asking yourself the right questions, you can identify areas to improve, celebrate what went well, and set yourself up for future success. I always took a few days/weeks to evaluate my year after school ended, a mental step that would help me create new goals, learn from pas lessons, and set myself up for success. Here are some key questions to help you evaluate your athletic experience, academic progress, personal wellness, and career readiness.
Reflecting on the Season: 28 Questions to Evaluate Your Year
Athletic Experience
- Did you meet your performance goals this season?
- What specific skills improved the most?
- Where do you need to focus your training in the offseason?
- How did you handle pressure and competition?
- What feedback did coaches give you, and how can you apply it?
- Did you maintain a positive relationship with teammates and coaches?
- Were you a leader on your team? If not, how can you grow into that role?
Academic Progress
- Did you maintain the grades you aimed for?
- Were you able to balance your coursework and athletic responsibilities effectively?
- Did you use academic resources (tutoring, office hours, study groups) when needed?
- What was your biggest academic challenge this year?
- How well did you manage your time between practices, games, and studying?
- Do you feel confident about your major and course selections?
- Are there classes or skills you should focus on to better prepare for your future?
Personal Wellness
- How did your body feel throughout the season? Did you stay healthy?
- Did you get enough sleep and prioritize recovery?
- How well did you fuel your body with proper nutrition?
- Did you experience burnout, stress, or mental fatigue?
- How did you manage the pressure of being a student-athlete?
- Did you make time for activities outside of sports and school?
- Were you able to maintain relationships with family and friends?
Career Readiness
- Have you started thinking about life after sports?
- Did you take advantage of networking opportunities with alumni, professors, or mentors?
- Did you build relationships with professionals in your field of interest?
- Have you created or updated your resume?
- Did you gain any relevant work experience (internships, volunteer work, part-time jobs)?
- Are there skills you need to develop to be more competitive in the job market?
- Do you have a plan for what comes next, whether it’s another season, graduation, or career transition?
Self-reflection is a powerful tool that can help you grow both on and off the field. By taking the time to evaluate your past year and answer these questions honestly, you’ll gain clarity on what worked, what didn’t, and what steps you need to take moving forward. Remember, success isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about progress, learning, and setting yourself up for long-term achievement. No matter how this season turned out, use your reflections to fuel your goals and take control of your future. The next step is yours to take.