5 Ways to Stick with Sports After Graduation

If you’re a recent graduate, congratulations! This is your reminder that you don’t have to lose your athletic identity or call yourself a “former athlete” now that you’re in the real world. As an adult, this may mean a different pace of play or a completely different sport, but you can still be an athlete out of high school or college. Admittedly this time of change can feel really disorienting, I’ve been there, but it can turn into the best outlet to stay active and make new friends. This blog post outlines five ways to reconnect with sports and get you back on your lifelong sports journey.

What’s Next?

As a new grad, I first recommend slowing down and taking some time to settle into your new schedule. If you’ve moved to a different city, get acquainted with your new neighborhood. Take a well-deserved break and reevaluate your mental health and physical health needs. Then, when you are ready to return to a sport, you’ll have a better sense of what you’re looking for. So how can you discover your next thing?

1. Find Your Place to Play

If you’re ready to jump back into playing, there are tons of sport programs for every age and experience level. Searching Google and social media can be a good start, but it can be overwhelming, so the next best place to turn is Play Gap. This nonprofit is backed by real people you can talk to for help, plus they have an amazing sports index of vetted women-only and co-ed teams, leagues and organizations that is growing all the time!

Also check out their free Best Fit Guide for some insightful questions to consider as you look to join something new.

For context, I played varsity lacrosse at Baldwin Wallace University and after I graduated in 2013, I quickly sought other opportunities in sports. I missed the team environment, but there weren’t many avenues to keep playing lacrosse. I’d always wanted to try ice hockey though, so when I found Play Gap’s sport database in 2023, I connected with an adult women’s hockey coach and she told me about some nearby learn-to-play programs. I’ve now been playing hockey for over a year and am loving it!

Sam Husted (middle) at one of her ice hockey games

2. Get Involved with coaching

After graduating, it’s easy to feel burned out from the rigor of being a student athlete. There are other ways to stay tied to sports aside from being an active player though. Whether you stay close to your alma mater or move far away, you can keep in touch with your coaches or reach out to local youth teams or community recreation departments. Many programs are looking for paid and volunteer coaches, and if you played the sport in college or at a high level, you are likely qualified.

The year I graduated college, my high school was just starting their girls’ lacrosse program so I reached out to get involved. They were ecstatic to have me help run practices and it felt awesome to give back. On top of that, my game stayed super sharp, because I was constantly teaching and running drills.

3. Become a Referee

Consider signing up for a referee program in your sport. Becoming a ref is a helpful way to stick with your sport while also making some extra money. Even if you don’t have experience in this realm, these training programs will teach you what you need to know while giving you a deeper understanding of the rules. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with other adults in the sport, whether they’re parents, athletes themselves, coaches or other refs. Refereeing can be a great route to stay connected and hear about other local sport opportunities.  

4. Join a Gym

Are you missing those team workouts? Many gyms harbor a community that mimic that of a team. It may take some trial and error to find the one that best fits your desired environment and goals, but many athletes discover a new community this way. Plus, gyms are a prime location to source other players to field a team or join pickup games.

5. Volunteer in Sports

Volunteering with local sports organizations is another impactful way to stay in sports and give back to your community. This could be a regular, ongoing volunteer position or an occasional in-person events, like a charity tournament or 5K fundraiser. Some groups, like Play Gap, even have remote volunteer roles where you can use your talents to contribute to a good cause on your own time.

I’ve been volunteering with Play Gap for the last 2 years, using my social media skills to document local sporting events to spread the word about the different opportunities for women to stay involved in sports. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn if you don’t already 😊

Sam Husted (right) and Elise Vue (left) volunteering at the 2024 Women’s Decathlon World Championships in Geneva, Ohio.

Overtime

As you transition into this new stage, remember that you are not alone in the journey. You can still be an athlete (if you want) and there are numerous ways to keep sports in your life at the intensity and time commitment that YOU choose. Whether you want to play, coach, referee, volunteer or even just watch sports, you can continue your athletic journey well into adulthood.

If you have questions or want to talk through any of these avenues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Play Gap!