Athletes supporting athletes.

When I was in my fifth year of college, I heard about a retired athlete panel the athletics department put together for current student-athletes to attend. Since I was still involved with athletics for my scholarship, I heard about it and got excited to attend. Finally, a guide on how to figure out what to do after focusing my whole life on softball! When I got there, I was shocked to hear what the athletes said. All of the athletes said that they do not know what their identity is outside of their sport they used to play.

I knew a lot of people who struggled after they were done competing. Some people are lucky enough to end their career using all of their eligibility at their college. Some people are even luckier to make it to the professional level. Some people are forced to end their competitive career with an injury. Others have to end their careers early due to unforeseen circumstances. I’ve seen multiple health reasons ending careers, mental and physical. I was lucky enough to make it through college without any injuries and I played a whole season of professional softball, retiring on my own decision. Even though I was able to finish my career without any injuries or setbacks, I do struggle with figuring out what’s next.

I realize I am not alone with feeling a certain way after finishing playing softball. Athletes of all kinds can relate. I’ve talked to people who used to play sports until middle school and struggled in high school to figure out what they want to do for a career. The point is, at any level or age that an athlete stops competing, there is usually a period of time that person struggles. I hope this website will help with suicide prevention and opens up a conversation between athletes about how to support each other after competing. The problem with finding self-identity after playing sports needs to be talked about more.

Once you are an athlete, you are always an athlete.

This website is going to be a resource for anyone who is playing or used to play a sport. You are not alone. Once you are an athlete, you are always an athlete. We will unite here and we will provide relatable content and resources. You do not need to be defined by the sport you play/played. You are more than just your sport. You are worthy and you are not alone!

For current athletes, we will be providing resources for you. There are many reasons not to give up and I want to show you that. You should strive to be elite and embrace the life lessons of being an athlete. Playing competitive sports was the best lifestyle I could have ever chosen. Once An Athlete will provide support during athletes’ playing career and after.

Our future goals:

  • Start a podcast - DONE

  • Turn this into a nonprofit - DONE

  • Provide grants / scholarships for athletes who want to continue education or make a career change

  • Create a summer internship program for student-athletes to help decide a career

  • Therapy programs specifically for retired athletes struggling with mental health

Mission Statement: To provide resources and support to current and former athletes.

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Emily Watson
Founder, Mentor, Retired Professional Fastpitch Softball Player