National Signing Day is behind us, and soon a new year of college athletics will begin. Student-athletes will turn to their respective campuses to better themselves and prepare for lives beyond college, some athletically and others in careers beyond sports. It is a proven reality that not all athletes become professionals in their respective sports. However, just because your time as a player comes to an end doesn’t mean that your enthusiasm and love for the game has been wasted. What makes sports great is the idea that contribution comes from all areas. Players, coaches, fans, and many others add to what makes athletics enjoyable.
For those who do not plan to pursue athletics professionally, there are still numerous ways you can still remain In the Game. Here are just a few ideas of paths that you can take:
- Athletic Trainer. Earning a degree in an athletic training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) can lead to a career in athletic training. Athletic trainers tending to game-time injuries and ensure that athletes are in the best condition to perform at their peak, among other things.
- Sports Psychologist. After studying counseling, research psychology, or another related field and earning either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D., you can easily get your foot in the door as a sports psychologist. Sports psychologists are specially trained to help athletes in the areas of mental health and performance. You could also earn a provisional license through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) after completion of a master’s program and mentored work experience.
- Public Relations Specialist. Imagine waking up one morning with one major goal on your to-do list: heading a team of reps in charge of communication and relaying information vital to the forward positive movement of the NBA Finals. In order to make this dream a reality, look into a career as a PR specialist. Most PR specialists pursue undergraduate degrees in journalism, public relations, communication, advertising, business, marketing, or English.
- Sports Agent. Perfect example: Tom Cruise in the role of the title character in the 1996 hit film “Jerry Maguire.” Your job is simple: You get athletes the money and contracts that will satisfy them. Obviously, this job would put you directly in contact with various professional athletes, which could open the door to other job opportunities if desired. Many agents study communications, business, or similar undergraduate programs and bolster their knowledge by subsequently attending law school.
- Sports Journalist. You watch games. You attend practices. You conduct interviews. You report the news. Congratulations: You are a sports journalist. While it may only grant the ESPN-caliber stardom to a select few, the life of a sports journalist can be quite rewarding, as the list of connections and partnerships can become rather lengthy. Most journalists typically pick up degrees in journalism, English, or communications.
If you can’t become a professional athlete, don’t sweat it. Chances are if you love sports enough to possess a drive to be the best on the field, court, or diamond, then that same drive will make you happy being around the sport of your preference, no matter the extent. Consider these areas of study to further your sports reach; you won’t regret it!
In the Game Magazine/Web Content
Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Careers for Sports Lovers
By James A. Washington
