Career transition in intercollegiate athletes with above average athletic identity: A qualitative analysis of transition experiences, coping, and the role of religious faith

Abstract

ABSTRACT Athletes with high athletic identity (AI) experience difficulty with sport retirement (Menke & Germany, 2019); yet qualitative research is lacking on their transition experiences. Moreover, athletic and religious identities may intersect during transition, but little is known on this topic. Current participants were 72 former intercollegiate athletes (69.4% female; Mage = 22.6 years), with above average AI. Thematic analysis on participants’ responses regarding transition experiences yielded higher-order categories of Losses and Difficulties. Participants coped by Filling the Void and Managing Challenges. Themes were compared across high (HRF) and low religious faith (LRF) subgroups. HRF participants most often used Physical Activity to cope while LRF participants Maintained Sport/Competitor Identity. More HRF than LRF participants reported Loss of Identity. Results are discussed using social identity theory and the model of adaptation to retirement among athletes as theoretical frameworks. Suggestions are provided for practitioners to prepare athletes with higher AI for transition.