Beyond The Game: Why Athletes Need to Prepare for Life After Sports.
For athletes, the focus is often singular: train, compete, win. But what happens when the final whistle blows, when the last lap is run, or the championship is won? This question is at the heart of a groundbreaking initiative by F.C. Como Women called BEYOND.
Recognizing that players aren’t just athletes but people with potential far beyond the pitch, BEYOND aims to equip players with the tools they need to navigate life after their sports careers. It’s not just a safety net — it's an opportunity to redefine success.
WHY PLAYER EDUCATION MATTERS
The life of an athlete is a high-stakes balancing act. While the physical and mental demands of sport often take center stage, the reality is that careers in sports are finite. Whether through injury, age, or other circumstances, every player eventually faces retirement. Without preparation, the transition can feel like stepping into an unfamiliar arena without a game plan.
Initiatives like BEYOND acknowledge this reality. They provide athletes with a proactive approach to life after sports, blending personal development, career planning, and identity-building into a comprehensive program.
LESSONS FROM THE FIELD: SKILLS THAT TRANSCEND SPORTS
Sonja Percan, a former professional volleyball player and the inaugural guest of the BEYOND program, is living proof of how athletic skills translate into the corporate world. After a stellar sports career, she transitioned to a leadership role at Amazon Web Services, using the teamwork, perseverance, and adaptability she honed on the court.
As Sonja explained:
“Sports teach you a lot, even if you might not realize it. Teamwork, discipline, managing setbacks — these are skills you can transfer to any career.”
For athletes, soft skills such as communication, resilience, and collaboration are already second nature. Programs like BEYOND help players identify and articulate these abilities, empowering them to leverage their unique experiences in new arenas.
REDEFINING IDENTITY
One of the toughest challenges for athletes is letting go of their athletic identity. For years, their worth has been tied to their performance. Transitioning to “life after sports” isn’t just a logistical shift — it’s an emotional one.
As Sonja shared, “You have to manage the fact that you’re no longer ‘the athlete.’ Once you step out, you become just you.”
This transformation can be daunting, but BEYOND offers players the tools and support to navigate this transition. By focusing on career exploration, networking, and personal growth, the program ensures athletes see themselves not as ‘former players’ but as dynamic individuals with limitless potential.
INSPIRED BY ATHLETE INPUT
What sets BEYOND apart is its player-centric approach. According to F.C. Como Women’s CEO, Elena Mirandola, the initiative was inspired by feedback from players who voiced their desire for guidance on building post-sport careers.
Mirandola explains:
“Our players are young, talented, and full of potential. By helping them structure their future, we’re not just preparing them for life after soccer — we’re boosting their confidence and showing them they can succeed anywhere.”
This kind of support isn’t just about creating opportunities — it’s about inspiring players to take charge of their futures.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO ATHLETES EVERYWHERE
For athletes, BEYOND is more than a program — it’s a mindset. It’s a reminder that success on the field is just the beginning and that preparation for what’s next is just as vital as training for the next match.
Whether you’re a pro player, an aspiring athlete, or someone navigating life’s transitions, the lessons of BEYOND are universal:
- Stay Curious. Explore interests outside your primary focus.
- Develop Soft Skills. Communication, teamwork, and resilience matter everywhere.
- Embrace Change. Redefining yourself is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity.
Athletes are more than their sport. Programs like BEYOND prove that, with the right tools and mindset, they can excel in any field.
So, whether you’re scoring goals or writing the next chapter of your life, remember: success lies not just in what you do, but in who you become.