As we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of spring with summer right on the horizon, our senses often remind us of the familiar. I remember walking to school and bending over to smell the sweet fragrance of Lily flowers. Pink and trumpet-shaped and oozing with perfume, I couldn’t resist taking their sweet smell in and exhaling so it lingered in my throat and I could taste its sweetness. I remember the sun staying in the evening sky a little longer so that when I finished swim practice at 7 pm, it was still light out and I felt the day had more to offer. The end of spring meant that our regular competitive synchro swim season was coming to a close and we were transitioning to National Teams or summer practice schedules. Everything was familiar, yet change was everywhere.
For most of my career as a College Recruiter, I followed the academic calendar which informed how and where I would be and what I would be focusing on at any given time of the year. Spring means graduation is quickly approaching and fresh new grads are about to descend upon many organizations around the world. Their goals and dreams and fears and excitement all there in front of them. It’s the end of one era and the beginning of another. Quite the important milestone for so many. Some are not only completing their academic goals but are also retiring from a sport that they have dedicated their life to up until this moment.
Think about that . . . they are moving from everything that they know and everything that has represented their structure, safety, security, and identity. Their sport has offered these athletes challenges and achievements that must be translated into the next stage of their lives to achieve happiness and fulfillment.
Transition is full of challenges for people in multiple situations and scenarios. I focus on the athlete here because I'm intimately familiar with that experience. And, an athlete who is retiring and graduating from college at the same time, well that just rolls up a lot of my specialties all into one. I support these athletes as they transition from their athlete identity to a holistic identity as they move into the next stage of their lives. I am honored to support them on their journeys.
To acknowledge these transitioning athletes, I am launching a 3-month group coaching program for retiring athletes to support their transition from athlete identity to this next stage of their lives. My first Authoring your Athlete Transition group starts meeting in June. If you or someone you know is interested, take a look for more details and register or reach out with any questions.
Coming this summer . . . calling all rising college seniors looking for support as they prepare to transition from college to career. I’m launching a group coaching program similar to my athlete group. Let me know if you or anyone you know is interested.