Extracting Value from Sport

We can’t always have the #1 spot. You may be awaiting your opportunity, nursing some injuries, or working on your development. Regardless, your time may come. The reality is that you may never have that spot. However, that does not mean you hang up the cleats. There may be a time and place for moving on – but not until you’ve taken all you can from sport.

While getting less playing time may feel unfair or undeserved, you are learning valuable life skills. Your first step is to get back to the drawing board and make sure you know what improvements you need to make. Spend every minute getting coached up, training, and working through feedback. Your second step is to see where/how you can use sport to your advantage outside of your on-field commitments. These tools are the drivers of Switch MentalityTM. The following 3 strategies will help you leverage your sport career beyond the games – even if you don’t play in very many.

Get Proactive

There are plenty of resources available to athletes – whether playing regularly or not. Take advantage of these. Do some research about the kinds of aids that are available for student-athletes at your institution. While academic advisors and career counsellors are available for the general student population – appointments are typically slow and not tailored to your experience. Athletics departments want you to succeed, and will put you in front of the right people as soon as they can. Get your coaching staff to point you in the right direction and learn as much as you can, ask as many questions as possible, and see what the future has in store for you – be it in or out of sport.

Build Your Professional Network

In the many years before you, there were plenty of athletes in your shoes. Building a strong network is not reserved for the ‘superstars.’ Many of those who suffered injuries or could never crack that top roster spot have moved onto to have illustrious careers outside of sport. These individuals still show up to games, still support, and are happy to be part of the alumni club. While you may be in the stands with them, do some research and connect with these individuals at games, team events and fundraisers. Ask them for advice and build relationships with them. They understand that life exists after sport, and they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.

Bolster Your Resume

While you are just as busy as everyone else – you may have some extra downtime on game days and/or at some points throughout the week. Understand that whether or not you play on Saturday’s, your resume will still say “Student-Athlete.” That speaks volumes. However, “Student-Athlete that was also involved on campus in other ways,” looks incredible. Use some of that extra time to get involved in other extra curriculars if you can manage.