What Do You Do When They Are Done?

I’m not a golf fan, but recently read this on Michelle Wie-West, a pro golfer, now retired. Reading that first will give you context. I’ll be here when you get back.

So–that in mind, I’m thinking like a coach/mentor/educator here. Here’s a pro who has made millions–and she’s suddenly forced to adapt to a completely changed world, one that no longer involves peaks and valleys, just days all alike that are all okay and it is an adjustment she is struggling with.

As a coach, I’ve been there. Ends can come quite suddenly.

I appreciate the article on Wie-West since she’s been successful, but think about it–what she’s going through, THOUSANDS of young athletes go through every passing season, every year. There are HS athletes who will not play in college, college athletes who will be done when they leave school. There are minor-league players who come to the realization they won’t make the big-time, other sport stars who will travel the world in minor leagues in minor places, looking to extend the ‘buzz’ of playing competitive sports.

**But no matter what, it ends.**

And I got to wondering–what do we do as coaches to help our athletes become ‘former athletes’? How do we help the inevitable and necessary transition?

And…I’m not sure. Frankly, sadly, there are a ton of coaches who do not care–their athletes are disposable…no more eligibility, no problem–out the door with you (that is specifically a college issue rather than HS/JH…).

I think the answer may be in a mentoring-style relationship, something that requires a willing coach AND a willing athlete. If an athlete doesn’t want help, a coach can’t really do anything—but a coach needs to be available…sometimes that ‘need” may not show up for months, maybe a year or two.

Thoughts?