| Ep 505 – Finding an Identity After Athletes Hang it Up

Author / Christopher McQuilkin

31 Min Listen

In this episode the Crew dials the voicemail to answer a question from a loyal Power Athlete Radio listener:

Hey John and Tex! It’s JT, long time listener, second time questioner. I recently had a friend share an Instagram post about life after athletics and the “athletic identity” which got me thinking… As a former University Basketball player, I know this too well. The feeing of “what do I do now?” when my athletic career was over. The identity that I had created for myself over the years of hard work and dedication that it took to get to that point was gone when I was unable to play at that high level anymore. That transition both physically and psychologically was probably one of the toughest transitions of my life, and looking back at it I realize there was no guidebook or roadmap to navigate those times. What are your thoughts on those next steps an athlete should take when they come to the end of their career in sport? Looking forward to hearing your answer! JT

For what we get, we can make a living; what we give however, makes a life.

There is a draw to athletics that takes a hold of an athlete and provides a drive to push limits, give to others, and pour every ounce of your being into a physical, mental, and emotional challenge. The connection between an athlete and their sport is unique to all. The energy and passion is so intense, none can fathom there is an end to their athletic journey when they’re living, breathing, and sweating through it! Unfortunately, the end does come for all, some sooner rather than later. The reasons that kept an athlete fighting get so turned down in the real world, they often long for the days of grind they probably cursed or neglected with their team.

Read Now: Power Coach – Fear by Tex McQuilkin

John and Tex have a hotline question of baller searching for meaning now that their athletic career has come to an end. The Crew has always identified as athletes, now they share their perspective on how to maintain this identity and connection to athletics.

Empower Your Performance

Have you been squatting on questions for John and Tex? Maybe you have asked around, and just can’t land on a straight answer. Take a breather, give us a call, and let us do the leg work.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is PAR-Hotline-Tex3.gif

The Power Athlete Radio hotline is OPEN! Dial (929) ING – ING0, leave us a detailed message, and we’ll get to work on finding you answers!

That’s (929) 464 – 4640


This is an ad. Please consider our shameless self promotion.

Share this article
FacebookTwitterLinkedInShare
AUTHOR

Christopher McQuilkin

MS, CSCS, SCCC, CHES
Book a consult with me regarding coaching, training, life, education... anything your heart desires. Click below:
calendly.com/pahq-tex

Former collegiate lacrosse defensive midfielder, 4-year letter winner and 3-year team captain. Coached strength and conditioning collegiately with Georgetown University football, Men's and Women's lacrosse and Women's Crew, as well with the University of Texas at Austin's football program. Apprenticed under Raphael Ruiz of 1-FortyFour-1 studying proper implementation of science based, performance driven training systems. Head coached CrossFit Dupont's program for two years in Washington D.C. Received a Master's in Health Promotion Management from Marymount University in 2010, and has been a coach for Power Athlete since October, 2012.

RECOMMENDED READING

Leave a Comment





SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Never miss out on an epic blog post or podcast, drop your email below and we’ll stay in-touch.