What happens to athletes after college?

Hello, I'm currently a high school athlete, exploring my options. I wanted to know what typically happens to athletes after they're done with college? Do most of them go pro in their sport or do they generally move on to other careers?

The path after college for athletes can vary significantly based on a multitude of factors including talent, sport, and personal preference. While some college athletes do turn pro in their respective sports, the reality is that most will move on to careers outside their sport. In fact, according to the NCAA's own data, only around 2% of college athletes will go on to compete professionally.

The type of sport also plays a role. For example, sports like basketball or football have high-profile professional leagues (NBA, NFL) that may attract more athletes aiming to turn pro. In contrast, collegiate athletes in sports like rowing or lacrosse may have fewer professional opportunities and are more likely to transition into other career paths after graduation.

That said, the skills and experiences gained from being a college athlete can be invaluable for a variety of careers. The discipline, teamwork, leadership skills, and ability to handle pressure that athletes develop can make them attractive to employers in all sorts of fields, from business to education to public service.

Athletes also often stay connected to their sport in other ways, such as becoming coaches, sports therapists, broadcasters, or sportswear entrepreneurs. Some athletes also apply their university degree in their career, which might be completely unrelated to sports.

Finally, it's important to mention that some athletes continue their education after their undergraduate studies. They may pursue master's degrees, PhDs, or other professional degrees in areas that align with their career goals. This adds another path for athletes post-college.