Athlete Identity Crisis: What Happens When Your Sport No Longer Defines You?

What happens when your sport no longer defines you? Many athletes struggle with identity loss, anxiety, and depression after stepping away from competition, whether due to injury, graduation, or retirement. In this post, former national team athlete and Associate Licensed Counselor, Nathan Wert, shares his personal story of transition, explores why leaving competitive sports can feel so painful, and offers practical ways to rebuild your confidence, rediscover joy, and find meaning beyond performance.