Former Athlete Survey

The following information contains the results of a survey of 55 former male and female athletes. The survey contained athletes that played one or multiple sports in high school, college, and at the professional level. Among the them, 18% went on to play a professional sport.

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 One of the important findings was that 60% of all athletes in the survey experienced a sense of disappointment or depression after their career was over.

 For high school athletes, 45% believed they would play a professional sport while they were in high school and 58% were satisfied with their high school athletic career. Only 26% of college athletes were satisfied with their athletic careers and 37% believed they would play a professional sport. Additionally, 18% of the respondents reported that someone else had completed their work while in college. When asked, “Did your coaches ever guide you toward easier classes or an easier major,” 25% answered “Yes.”

 Out of the professional athletes, 25% were satisfied with their athletic career. Most surveyed did not have a lawyer (73%) and if they did have one, 77% were not satisfied with him or her. Similar responses were reported for financial planners.

 When asked what they would change about their career as a student athlete, 33% said they would study more and 22% would pick a different major. Only 18% said they would practice their sport more.