Transition and Identity in Sport: Inspired by Serena Williams, The GOAT Evolving Away from Tennis

As most are aware, the US Open will be Serena Williams’last performance. She took the stage Mondayfor her first match of the tournament with a 6-3, 6-3 victory. The tournament will continue to beemotional as we continue to watch the greatest one last time.

Many articles and social media posts around Williams evolving awayfrom tennis has shed some light on transition in sport and athletic identity. Serena Williams statements on her transition and endeavors contain heartfelt, bittersweet emotion. She mentions preferring not to call it retirement but evolving away. It’s hardto imagine as fans, opponents,andthe athlete themselves not playing their sport anymore. We share mixed emotion in ourhearts when an athlete with impact transitions away from their sport.

As athletes and parents, we can learn from Serena Williams, the GOAT once again. Athletes have dreams and desires starting at a young age. When it’s decided well that’s it. The sport is it. The athlete thinks, sleeps, eats, lives the sport. The person’s life soon becomes the athlete’s life. Sport psychology coaches and sport psychologists call this high athletic identity –the degree to which a person identifies as an athlete and looks to others for acknowledgment in that role.

From what Serena Williams has stated and implied seems she has accepted her time to leave and focus on her other identities. While she has accepted and chosen this route, she will still face a lot of emotion and change.

So what? Well, transition out of sport can happen in the blink of an eye or can be planned. Either way, the transition can be a difficult time for the athlete. Some important tips:

• Surround yourself with asolid support system day in and day out (whether you’re still playing, transitioning, or not playing anymore)
• Explore what makes you, you outside of sport –try to lean into those identities when possible
• Be kind to yourself –understand that you are human,and your sport does not define you

To Serena Williams, thanks for all you’ve done and all that’s to come.