When you’re coming up on a big transition- college athlete to professional athlete, life after sports, etc., athletes should be very intentional about who they spend their time with and the types of relationships they form. It’s so important for athletes to have good relationships to help them advance personally and professionally.
The good news is- it’s likely you’re already great at understanding the importance of relationships. Athletes invest so much of their time building personal connections, networks needed to get to the next level, and a support systems to help them achieve success. Essentially, you just need to apply your special formula into finding and growing other relationships to help you during your transition.
Below are a few types of relationships athletes can focus on when seeking guidance and support during your transition:
Key Relationships to Focus on in Post-Athletic Careers
Family. If you went away to school or had a schedule that was packed 24/7, you might’ve spent less time with your family than you did in high school. Before you start your transition, use the opportunity to reconnect with those who you might’ve lost touch with. A cousin, sibling, parent- it’s never too late to pick up communication and get their thoughts on your next steps. Having my parents and sister weigh in on my first job kept me grounded and motivated in a completely new environment: the corporate world.
Friends. Evaluate your friends situation. Are your friends supportive of your next moves? Are they motivated to do well in their own lives? Do they bring value to your life- meaning do they make you happy, encourage you, keep it real, hold you down? Friends can heaviliy influence the types of moves you make after sports, so make sure you have a good group in your corner.
Partners. Are you in a good relationship? By good, I mean does your partner support you and understand the sacrifices you’re willing to make to be successful? Are they happy for you when you achieve a small win, or pick you up when things don’t go well? Consider how their support or lack thereof will affect your future. From personal experience- it’s better to be alone and be your biggest cheerleader than to be with someone who can’t support you 24/7.
Coworkers. Building a professional network takes time. Waiting until you’re working to start nurturing relationships isn’t a bad thing, but it’s so much better to build a network of future leaders while you’re in school. Doing so will help you navigate your next steps with someone you’ve known for much longer.
When I graduated and started working for the NBA, it was a huge adjustment for me. I didn’t work with many, if any, college athletes, and it took me a very long time to know who I could trust, who wanted me to succeed, and wo wanted me to fall on my face. Looking back, I wish I invested more time seeking out good people in corner, especially if that meant keeping in touch with like-minded peers in college.
Former coaches. Connecting with a coach after you’ve played for them can be a very cool thing. Coaches do amazing work, and if you’re close with your high school or college coach- much of their livelihood is dependent on their players winning games.
Asking them them questions as a former athlete while seeing them continue to do great work can help motivate you. You can also give back by serving as a mentor or advisor to athletes in their program currently. Mutually benefitial relationships are a win-win for both sides.
Mentors. Mentors can help grow your network, increase your confidence, and provide you with the knowledge and perspective to help you achieve success. Choosing the right mentor takes time, so find someone who will help you set caeer goals, hold you accountable and help you get through your transition, even if they push you out of your comfort zone.