Preparing for Life After Sport: Exploring the Feasibility of Offering a Health-Related Transition Program for NCAA Division II Student-Athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17161/jis.v19i3.24401Keywords:
Student-Athlete Resources, Student-Athlete Transition, Post-Sport Adjustment, Identity ShiftAbstract
Health-related transitional programs can provide strategies for student-athletes to help them navigate the challenges they may face as they transition away from competitive athletics. However, few evidence-based transitional programs with a health-related focus exist, and even less research addresses program feasibility within specific institutional contexts. This study evaluated the feasibility of implementing a health-related physical activity (PA) transitional program for student-athletes at one NCAA Division II (DII) institution. Student-athlete alumni (n = 85) from the past five years were surveyed to gather information about their current PA and health-related quality of life. Additionally, these former student-athletes along with athletic department personnel (n = 28) responded to survey items assessing various dimensions of program feasibility. Results showed that over 90% of participants from both groups agreed more support is needed for the transition out of sport, particularly regarding PA and health resources. In addition to limited mental health resources, student-athletes perceived there to be a lack of resources related to post-career exercise guidance, highlighting a key gap given that 60% of former student-athletes in this sample were not engaging in recommended PA levels. Responses from athletic personnel suggested opportunities exist to integrate transitional programming within existing campus resources. These findings highlight the need for more health-related transitional support. As such, athletic departments should prioritize efforts to develop and evaluate programs that support health-related aspects of sport transition to optimize student-athletes' adjustment to life after sport. This feasibility study provides insights into the needs, resources, and barriers institutions face when developing transitional programming. These findings offer a foundation for implementing evidence-based support addressing student-athletes' health and wellness needs beyond competitive athletics.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Amanda H. Hilton, Dr. Diane L. Gill, Dr. Mindy Smith, Dr. Jeffrey J. Milroy, Dr. Erin J. Reifsteck
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