A conversation that is not spoken about often is Identity after sports, that hard transition that hits you fast, the anxiety and confusion some of the best and confident athletes face after their career ends will have you standing in the mirror questioning your worth or deciding what's next. The real message which should be passed is athletics doesn't define you, you are much more! It's a skill that is part of your many foundations you've built and you should be proud of the journey you've taken and the achievements you've accomplished along the way. Mental health is not a conversation that takes lead with many athletes because their entire career they were told have grit, be mentally tough, respect the journey. They've scored touchdowns, won races, and competitions so everyone surrounding them remembers their confidence and not notice that it was built around performing, but now they're in a world where their gifts is slowly fading into history. This is a hard transition for most. I believe Colleges and clubs should provide athlete therapists the first year out of sports to help bridge that transition. Some advice to help transition even if your years out of your sport. - Find a community or a way to stay connected to sports, coach, train and join clubs. - Get a mentor who understands the transition, mine has always been @zoiii3 - Learn new skills or passions, just like you learned sports take the time to pick up a new trade, because of your already built commitment you'll own it. I chose Film and loved it every since. - Don't stay in this breakdown, some say it's ok to cry, oh man, I'm old school, use that pain and passion to talk to youth, to give yourself the drive to push through competitions and marathons and things. But don't live in the past too long because you can limit the future. - Surround yourself with beautiful people and hearts that still see you as the gifted committed person you were your entire life. They will be your teammates in this new stage. - Take this new time to enjoy the freedom, every week of your life since you were 5 was a set schedule, sore, tired, moving at 100% Panel with @sarahendersh @mofuerste