20 Things Retired College Athletes Know
Start writing a post
Student Life

20 Things Retired College Athletes Know

Just a few things that happen when you finally hang them up.

Morgan Rich
Jul 18, 2016
Pensacola State College
25
20 Things Retired College Athletes Know
Morgan Rich

Being a former college athlete is a wonderful thing. In the years immediately following being a college athlete it is a wonderful thing to be able to put on job resumes and the life lessons we learn are invaluable. When we finally decide to "hang them up" we learn some important lessons. We quickly realize that those years spent playing our sport were times that we will cherish forever and always wish that could revisit. The relationships that we built with our teammates and coaches are ones that we will appreciate for the rest of our lives. Furthermore, there are a few specific things that most athletes can agree on that we all learn after hanging them up.

1. It now takes way too much Advil to touch anything that ails us.

2. Knowing "we still got it" enough to play in any co-ed or rec league.

4. Being way too competitive in said co-ed/rec league.

5. Being terribly sore the day after co-ed/rec game.

6. "Yeah, I played ______ in college...."

7. Rainy days are painful days.

8. Having an athletic shoe addiction and nowhere to wear them now.

9. Having any athletic gear addiction still.

10. Finding it much harder to go for an enjoyable run/workout.

11. Thinking you can still lift like you used to when you actually do workout.


12. We relive our glory days probably way too much.

13. We can retell with incredible detail our best and worst games.

14. Your coaches are now your best job references.

15. Going back for Alumni Day is the best reunion.

16. Talking about what sports our future kids will definitely play.


17. The lessons we learned will stick with us much longer than any games won and lost.

18. Roadtrips and getting to miss class were the best.


19. Our teammates became our family, and still are.


20. We wouldn't trade our many years in the game for anything; not even good knees, hips, shoulders, or elbows.


My time playing were some of the best years of my life and have provided some of the greatest memories that I will forever cherish. If you're a "retired college athlete" what else have you learned?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

14 Invisible Activities: Unleash Your Inner Ghost!

Obviously the best superpower.

Providence College
32700
Being Invisible The Best Super Power
i.redd.it

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
supernatural
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
20146
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
298330
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
92806
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
155255
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments