For many, this is a time of year for new beginnings, especially for young people setting their first steps toward independence. For young athletes transitioning, this crucial shift from the security of home to the broader world’s challenges is a significant milestone for many as they move toward their future.
Some don’t fly when they leave the nest.
As a psychologist working with young athletes, I’ve guided numerous individuals aged 16 to 25 through their most transformative years. These athletes excel in sports and manage academic pressures while living under their family’s supportive roof. Their success often hinges on a solid support network that includes family, teachers, medical professionals like physiotherapists, general practitioners, and psychologists, and often, long-term coaches and personal trainers.
However, the journey takes a significant turn as they graduate high school and head to university, sometimes moving far from home. This change, frequent in places like Tasmania, where I practice, was something I experienced at 18 when I went abroad on a rowing scholarship. Suddenly, these young athletes transitioning from home to a broader, more independent lifestyle find themselves without their usual support system, missing their long-time coaches, friends, and parents.
This departure can reveal hidden weaknesses.
Suddenly, tasks that parents used to manage or remind them about, like packing socks, doing homework, or making meals, become their sole responsibility. Despite having some life skills, the lack of a family safety net can lead to struggles with organisation, financial management, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle amid training, work, and studies.
In my case, and for many athletes I work with, this adaptation period can uncover challenges like ADHD, which might not have been noticeable within the family’s protective environment but become evident when they need to be more independent. Looking back at my university years, I now realise how ADHD affected me (diagnosed in my 40s), even though sports and family support temporarily masked these challenges.
Experiencing and reflecting on the cracks
Starting university was exciting and daunting as I tried to fit into a new sports team and get to know new coaches and teammates. Despite the thrill, I often felt lost, spending money carelessly and prioritising fun over studies. Though I eventually adjusted, the transition was anything but smooth. The hidden struggle of managing finances, keeping up with studies, and maintaining a strict training schedule was challenging.
For me, this period of independence led to a later diagnosis of ADHD. This isn’t rare among athletes; many find that sports structure and physical activity help manage ADHD symptoms. Yet, when the home support system is removed, and university stresses are added, organisation and time management issues can worsen.
It’s essential to recognise that while some athletes smoothly transition and gain independence skills, others may continue to struggle. This includes athletes without ADHD; the loss of a support system can highlight issues with time management, organisation, and self-care.
Identifying the need for more support
Signs that a young athlete transitioning might need extra support include lacking energy, struggling with diet, difficulty completing assignments, withdrawing socially, overtraining, or missing training sessions. Parents should watch for changes in communication patterns, as either increased and decreased contact can indicate adjustment challenges. Parents must offer support while allowing independence without putting too much pressure on academic or athletic achievements.
Finding help
Support is accessible from various sources:
- University Student Support Services: These offer counselling, academic help, and health services.
- School Counselors or Psychologists: They provide tailored support for young athletes.
- Coaches and Support Staff: Current and former coaches can offer valuable advice.
- Familiar Coaches and Support Networks: Reconnecting with known figures can provide comfort and continuity.
This journey highlights the importance of parents gradually shifting their support towards empowering their children with tools and strategies for independence. It’s also vital to encourage young athletes to seek help when needed, build new support networks, and understand that facing challenges and asking for help is part of adapting to a new, independent life.
As we help our young athletes navigate this transition, let’s equip them with the confidence to handle their new responsibilities, academic pressures, and personal growth. It’s a path of growth, self-discovery, and resilience; they can successfully embark on this journey with the proper support and tools.
Other resources for transitioning young athletes
- Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN) at the Australian Institute of Sport (ais.gov.au/career-and-education/eaen): Provides support for elite athletes in Australia to balance their academic aspirations and sporting careers, offering resources, advice, and programs tailored to athlete education and career development needs.
- Athlete365 by the International Olympic Committee (olympics.com/athlete365): Offers a variety of resources, including articles and expert advice on managing mental health, life balance, career transition, and more.
- The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) (ncaa.org): Provides resources and support for student-athletes, including mental health resources, time management tips, and life skills development.
- The Positive Coaching Alliance (positivecoach.org): Focuses on creating a positive, character-building sports experience for all youth athletes, including resources for balancing sports and life.
- Sports Psychology Today (sports-psychology.com): Offers articles and advice on mental aspects of sports, including balancing sports with life and handling the pressures of being an athlete.
- Mind, Body and Sport by the NCAA (ncaa.org/sport-science-institute/mind-body-and-sport): An NCAA initiative focusing on mental health, offering articles, guidelines, and resources for athletes.
- CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) (chadd.org): While not athlete-specific, CHADD provides extensive resources on ADHD, including symptoms, treatments, and strategies for management.
It’s essential for athletes suspecting they have ADHD to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate assessment tools and treatment options.