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Career Change for Athletes: How To Repurpose Your Skills

Writer's picture: Ryan GonsalvesRyan Gonsalves

Updated: Jan 31

Hi, I’m Ryan Gonsalves. Former elite athlete, Certified Advisory Board Chair, and Lifestyle & Business Coach. I work with athletes transitioning into fulfilling careers beyond sports, helping them discover joy and purpose in their next chapter. For coaching or speaking bookings, click here.


How Can You Channel Your Skills to Thrive After Sports?


When I left the competitive sports world, I felt unmoored. For so long, my identity had been tied to being an athlete. But stepping away taught me that the skills I honed on the field could translate into any number of new opportunities.


Evan Bush, a professional soccer player who spent over 16 years in the game, summed it up during our podcast:

"The same focus I brought to the field is what drives me in the front office. Those skills don’t go away; they evolve."


If you’re standing at the crossroads of your athletic career and wondering how to transition, you’re not alone. The good news? You’ve already got what it takes.


What Skills Can You Bring to Your Next Chapter?


Athletes are uniquely equipped to succeed in life after sports. Here’s why:


1. Discipline and Work Ethic

Think back to early morning practices and grueling training sessions. That discipline and commitment to improvement are powerful assets in any industry. Employers value people who can work hard, stay focused, and push through challenges.


2. Resilience and Adaptability

How many times have you bounced back from a loss or injury? Life after sports is no different, you’ll face setbacks and surprises. Your ability to adapt and keep moving forward is a skill many people struggle to master.


3. Teamwork and Leadership

Whether you were a captain or a key team player, you know how to communicate, collaborate, and motivate. These are qualities that make you invaluable in roles like management, consulting, or even entrepreneurship.


Julian Gonzalez, a former Colombian footballer turned sports psychologist, said this during our chat:

"Athletes often underestimate their skills. But once they reflect, they see how much they have to offer."

What’s Next for You?


When I transitioned out of sports, I didn’t have all the answers, but I took action. Here are three steps you can take today to channel your athletic skills into a new field:


1. Reflect on Your Strengths

Take some time to write down the qualities and skills that made you successful in sports. What are you proud of? How can those traits apply to other areas of life?


2. Explore New Opportunities

Get curious. Take an online course, shadow a professional in a field you’re interested in, or attend networking events. The more you explore, the clearer your next step will become.


3. Build Your Network

Reach out to former teammates, coaches, or mentors. Relationships are often the key to new opportunities. You never know who might help open the door to your next chapter.


Are You Ready to Evolve?

Leaving sports isn’t the end… it’s the start of something new. As athletes, we have grit, focus, and the ability to adapt under pressure. These skills don’t disappear when the game ends. They’re tools to help you succeed in any field.


So, what’s next for you? Take a step forward today and trust that you’ve already got what it takes to thrive.


If you’d like to chat about navigating this journey, feel free to reach out here.


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