Life After Sport Seminar Prepares Seniors for Next Phase

Student-athletes finishing up their eligibility attended the Life After Sport Seminar on Tuesday, November 30th. The purpose of the seminar is to provide apprehension on how to adjust their lifestyle as they transition away from collegiate athletics. A panel of six speakers provided insight on how to make the transition out of Nebraska Athletics a successful one.

Husker Hall of Famer and volleyball alum, Dr. Janet Kruse Sellon, kicked off the panel. She discussed her transition out of Athletics and into medical school. She encouraged the student-athletes to use the resources that Husker Athletics provides as they are beneficial to succeeding in the workforce. Kruse-Sellon highlighted that student-athletes have the skills they developed in their sport that are transferrable as they enter the workforce.

"Sport is something you do but doesn't define you as a person, each one of you has talents aside from sports that are waiting to be developed and discovered," explained Kruse-Sellon.

Following Dr. Kruse Sellon was Spencer Long, Husker football letterwinner and NFL veteran. He spoke with the group about his experience once he stopped competing professionally and provided tips on how to adjust without having their sport be at the top of their priorities. He explained that though it may be hard at first, it is rewarding to find that other things can bring them joy outside of being an athlete.      

"With change comes new growth and opportunity for achievement, so do what you've always done and apply what you've learned from your past experiences and seize the new opportunity," stated Long.

Next, Nate Kruse, a wealth management advisor and managing director at Northwestern Mutual. He spoke with the group about having a financial game plan. He emphasized that the athletes should create a budget, understand their cash flows to make their financial situation easier to comprehend, and the importance of creating and implementing financial goals for themselves. 

Nuwanee Kirihennedige Performance Nutrition Coordinator, then shared several key points for maintaining physical well-being through proper nutrition when the Training Table and dietitians are no longer available to them. Student-athletes in attendance were given various tips and tricks for navigating the grocery store and learning to adjust their intake as they transition from not being a full-time athlete.

Following Kirihennedige was Nebraska Athletic Counselor, Nedu Izuegbunam. He encouraged athletes to start defining who they are without having to mention their sport. He urged the athletes to come up with five traits that help define who they are. He stressed being mindful of their emotions and giving themselves compassion during their transition to life outside of sports. 

Finally, Mattie Fowler-Burkhardt, Senior Director of Development Operations for Athletics and Husker softball alum shared with the group how they can stay connected and continue to advocate for Husker Athletics as they move forward. She discussed how alumni student-athletes are key for future Husker athletes and their success and how Nebraska Athletics will always have their backs.

 "Don't be afraid to ask for help, we all want to see you succeed," explained Fowler-Burkhardt.

For questions about the Life After Sport Seminar, please contact Assistant Director of Life Skills/PEO Director, Tom Lemke.