In the realm of sports, success is often measured by victories, records, and championships. However, the journey for athletes is riddled with unexpected challenges that can test their mental and physical health. Injuries, academic struggles, job insecurity, and more- athletes must navigate a myriad of hurdles to triumph over adversity.
When I was an athlete, I was blessed in never having a career-ending injuries. I was able to stay academically eligible, and enjoy my experience playing DI basketball. However, life will throw you a few surprises along the way, so it’s important to have the skills and resilience to pivot and continue on to success. Below are a few unplanned situations athletes might face and how they can successfully navigate and triumph over them.
How to Overcome Unexpected Challenges
Injury. Any injury, especially a season-ending or career-ending injury can be life-changing for an athlete. The toll it takes on one’s physical and mental healthy is huge, and can truly leave a mark if not addressed properly. It’s important not to ignore or neglect it, rather seek timely medical attention. This includes any surgeries, physical therapy, and/or lifestyle changes needed to heal.
Long term, your mentality coupled with a disciplined approach can help you rehabilitate. At worst, rigorous physical therapy can help you heal and have a normal quality of life.
Academic Ineligibility. Being academically ineligible can be a huge setback, and super discouraging knowing that you can’t practice, complete, or represent your school. If this happens, it’s time to prioritize your academic responsibilities above sports. Meet with professors, spend extra time with tutors, let study hall be your new friend. Dedicate yourself to bringing your GPA back to good standing so you can get back on the court asap.
Illness. During my sophomore year, I got hit with mono, one of the weirdest and longest recoveries from sickness I’ve had to date. If you’re sidelined from illness or finding that you’re constantly getting sick, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, focus on preventive measures, and consult with medical professionals as needed.
This also means being super disciplined and proactive when it comes to your health. Focus on eating well, hydrating, and getting plenty of rest. If you feel yourself coming down with something, don’t try to power through each time. Prioritize rest, even if it means having to give up your spot. Making time for recovery, especially if it means not getting really sick (for example, getting the flu, mono, pneumonia, etc.) can help preserve your health and your athletic career.
Job Insecurity. Job security is a great feeling when you know your job status is pretty stable. When you’re unsure of how long you’ll be at your job, it’s important to develop versatile skills and a backup career plan. Taking the time to network, take courses, and build your skill-set are great ways to help you prepare for a job transition.
Be proactive by keeping your resume current and be prepared to be adaptable. I’ve experienced only a few jobs where layoffs happened suddenly, so I made sure that I kept my ear to the ground for open positions at other organizations, learned new skills related to business and fundraising, and made sure to take one day at a time. By being prepared and flexible, I had a better sense of confidence in my abilities and my next steps.
Contract Disputes. When discussions around financing and money don’t happen the way you expect, seek out professional advice to help you navigate your next steps. Understanding contractual terms and how to negotiate wisely can be easier to digest when an industry professional like an agent or lawyer is in your corner. If you’re having trouble understanding or agreeing to terms, do your research and work with a professional that can advocate for you. That person can help both sides find common ground and secure a deal that is fair and in your interests.
Performance Slump. This might mean a loss in confidence, a struggle to score, decision making problems, etc. If you’re struggling, try finding the root cause of your performance issues and ask your coaches or trainers for feedback. It also helps to connect with close family and friends who know you well. Above all, it’s important to have a positive mindset, which will help you overcome this slump. I always tell myself that ‘nothing in life is permanent‘, and that is usually true when we’re not at our best. Reminding yourself of your abilities, your skills, and your power to overcome obstacles will help you mentally get around this roadblock. Being consistent in being your biggest cheerleader is also a great way to mentally push you back your best self.
Media Scrutiny. Athletes are often in the public eye, especially talented high school, collegiate and professional athletes. With so much attention, it’s vital to have the right skills to navigate scrutiny that comes from the media. Do your best to block out the noise and focus on your goals.
Team Dynamics Issues. While I was pretty good at adapting to team dynamics in middle school and high school, playing college ball was more of an adjustment for me. With a really poor record year after year, coaches and athletes were not always happy. If you’re struggling, communication is key and probably the only way to get to the root cause of any team dysfunction. In college, I wasn’t very comfortable addressing large groups, however, I tried connecting with each of my teammates, especially when they had difficulties. I tried my best to understand what conflicts were happening, hear their point of view and see if there were ways to address conflicts diplomatically.
Unexpected Rule Changes. Changes to rules, especially in sports can be very difficult to adjust to as an athlete, especially after years of playing within a certain set of guidelines. To adapt, work with your coaches and refine your techniques to adjust to new rules as best as possible.
Financial Challenges. Most athletes will face financial challenges at some point of their life. From low paying salaries, problems managing credit cards, mismanaging a windfall of money, overcoming debt- there are so many money matters we might face. Make time to learn about money and investing terms, and start small if you haven’t had much experience. To start, create a budget, save a portion of your earnings, and invest wisely. Knowing how to manage your money responsibly can help you live and feel secure, and set you up for stability throughout your life.
National or Global Crises. Sometimes life will throw global challenges our way. The Covid-19 Pandemic was an example of global sickness, loss of life, and a change to our every day lives. Sports were cancelled, which forced many athletes to adjust their training routines and find alternate ways to compete. When things like this happen, its vital to find opportunities in adversity and stay mentally resilient.
At some point in your athletic, academic or professional career, you will face adversity. An athletes’ ability to navigate these challenges and triumph often relies on a combination of personal resilience, a strong support system, and strategic decision-making. When I face one or multiple struggles at once, I do what comes natural to me: I talk to family and create a plan to overcome the problem at hand. Once I have my plan of action, I do my best to be patient, because sometimes results won’t happen overnight. With strategy, patience and hard work, I feel it’s possible to better your situation.