Impact of Transition from Sport: The Emotional Experience of Intercollegiate Athletes

Abstract

This article explored themes related to the emotional experience of transition from sport often faced by the college athlete upon completion of his or her eligibility. Although issues related to intercollegiate athletics and students' transition out of sport have received increasing attention in the literature the emotional, and deeply personal aspects, of such transitions are less well understood. A review of literature concerning this topic was explored including three potential themes impacting the transition of intercollegiate athletes: athlete identity, issues of control, and feelings of loss related to change. In addition, a number of additional questions related to the topic as well as potential future lines of research were suggested.