Going Out on Top
It’s been a total whirlwind for women’s sports this last month…the WNBA season in full force, the biggest LPGA purse in history, Wimbledon coming through hot and of course, the Women’s World Cup. One thing all of these competitions have in common is this will likely be the last go around for some of sport’s greatest competitors.
When athletes approach their last season, there’s always an allure of going out on top and reaching one last height in their career. This could be a monetary goal, a championship title, setting an individual record or just feeling that rush one last time of competing at the highest level.
If retirement isn’t on the table and athletes fall short of reaching the goals of the season -- this just becomes fuel for the next one. We’ve all heard about an athlete's grit or resilience when it comes to getting back up when they’re knocked down. At face value, this can be dependent on there being another season for redemption.
Obviously, if you’re planning to retire at the end of the season or the unexpected happens and there is no next season -- the pain or upset of not reaching your goals during your last season can feel like a tarnish on your legacy without a chance for redemption.
For some of the greatest footballers of all time -- who didn’t reach their 2023 World Cup dreams -- check out what they have to say about their career, their legacy and what they’re proud of despite missing the mark this last time.
For the GOATs and for all of the current, retiring or former athletes here…there’s no reason for toxic positivity if you’re not going out on top at the end of your career. In fact you’re in good company as the majority of folks don’t get this experience when they leave their sport.
Aside from normalizing your experience there are also a few things I tell all of my athletes to consider when they approach their final season…
Be present. Really, really take the time to feel the full range of emotions that come with the ups and downs.
Talk about it. Whether that’s with your family, friends, teammates, coaches, therapist, etc. Make sure you find someone you can talk to about how you feel.
Reflect. Take the time to reflect on the beauty of your career and accomplishments and remember what you’re proud of as you recall these moments.
Release control. This is the hardest part, but letting go of what you can’t control or change is a necessary part of acknowledging your legacy.
Dream of what’s next. My favorite activity! Dream of a day in the life of a future version of yourself. Think about what life will be like after you’ve stopped playing. Use your senses to feel and taste what this future version has to offer.
Although there are some child prodigies out there -- almost all of us weren’t the best when we started playing our sport. The same is true for building a life you want after the game ends. Imagine, believe, work at it and make it whatever you want it to be.
Dreaming the biggest for you.
— A
