Former Collegiate Athletes’ Healthcare Needs During and After Sport Transition: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background:

Student-athletes face unique challenges when transitioning out of collegiate sports, losing access to comprehensive athletic department healthcare services while navigating the critical developmental period of emerging adulthood.

Purpose:

Identify health and wellbeing needs among former student-athletes who have recently transitioned out of college sports to inform targeted healthcare transition strategies.

Study Design:

Mixed-methods design.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Methods:

A total of 35 former student-athletes (17 women, 18 men) representing diverse backgrounds who participated in their final collegiate competition between 2019 and 2023 completed surveys assessing self-reported measures of health indicators, transition healthcare resources, healthcare engagement, and sport transition planning. A total of 12 former student-athletes participated in focus groups exploring barriers and facilitators in their healthcare transition experience.

Results:

Participants generally perceived their current health as similar to or improved compared with their collegiate athletic careers (37.1% each), whereas a smaller proportion reported worse health (25.7%). While many participants reported having a general transition plan, most (68.6%) lacked a specific healthcare management plan. Participants cited difficulties with obtaining the care or treatment they needed. Focus groups highlighted a “Performance over People” culture in elite sport in which athletic achievement was prioritized over long-term well-being. “Relational Resources” such as support from family, friends, mentors, and knowledgeable medical professionals were critical for successful sport transition.

Conclusion:

The broader culture of elite sport and the long-term consequences of participation appear to affect how student-athletes understand their health and engage with healthcare as former athletes. Former collegiate athletes experience notable gaps in healthcare support during their transition out of collegiate sports, particularly in accessing holistic care from providers who understand their health needs as former student-athletes.

Clinical Relevance:

Structured healthcare transition planning, specialized provider networks that connect patients to medical professionals with sport-specific expertise, and formal mentorship programs are potential strategies for promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of former student-athletes during and after their transition out of collegiate sport.