What's Next for College Athletes After the College Football Championship?

MINNEAPOLIS - Jan. 28, 2025 - PRLog -- As the College Football Championship draws to an electrifying close, the spotlight shifts from the field to the futures of the athletes who graced it. For many players, the end of the season marks not just the conclusion of their collegiate athletic careers but the beginning of a new and often uncertain chapter.

Of the thousands of athletes who compete in college football, less than 2% will go on to play professionally. This leaves the vast majority—98%—facing the reality of transitioning to life beyond the game. For these athletes, the support systems and resources that were integral during their collegiate careers often disappear once they leave school, making the transition even more challenging.

Steve Davis Jr., a former Gopher football player, knows firsthand the challenges of navigating life after athletics. Through his organization, Strive Higher After Sports, Davis has dedicated himself to equipping athletes with the tools and resources to find fulfillment beyond their playing days. In his co-authored book, Soul of An Athlete: Stories and Lessons on Life Post-Athletics (https://www.strivehigheraftersports.com/shop/p/soul-of-an...), he along with 13 other former athletes share their journey transitioning out of sport. It offers deeply personal and practical insights for athletes preparing to transition to life outside the game. It also delves into the emotional, professional, and personal challenges athletes face and offers strategies to overcome them.

"The end of an athletic career can feel like losing a part of your identity," says Davis. "I have experienced it myself so I am dedicated to ensure other athletes have the power and resources to build a fulfilled identity outside of sports."

In addition to the book, Strive Higher After Sports provides transition coaching and life design services to support athletes in identifying their passions, creating a game plan, and building through actions the life that truly speaks to them.

"Athletes are so much more than their stats or accolades," Davis explains. "They are leaders, innovators, community members, and problem-solvers. The challenge is helping them see that potential in themselves and channel it into new pursuits while also moving away from chasing the scoreboard."

With the College Football Championship serving as a poignant reminder of both the highs and finality of collegiate athletic careers, Davis encourages athletes to view this transition as a chance for tremendous growth rather than the end of their identity. As the landscape of college athletics evolves, the attachment to an athletic identity grows stronger, creating an even greater need for comprehensive support during this inevitable transition. Strive Higher After Sports is committed to guiding athletes through this transformative journey, empowering them to embrace new opportunities and redefine success beyond the game.

For more information about Soul of An Athlete and Strive Higher After Sports' transition coaching programs, visit www.strivehigheraftersports.com.