Ending an athletic career after college can be a challenging transition, and it's completely normal to feel a mix of emotions about it. As someone who has gone through this experience myself, I understand how difficult it can be to let go of something that has been such a big part of your life for so long.

One thing that helped me was to take the time to reflect on my accomplishments and the experiences I had as an athlete. I found it helpful to look back on all the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that went into my sport, and to celebrate the successes that I achieved along the way.

Another thing that helped me was to find new interests or hobbies that could fill the void left by my athletic career. For me, that meant exploring new activities like hiking, yoga, and painting. It was a great way to find new passions and to channel my energy into something positive.

Staying connected with my teammates and coaches was also really important for me. Even though we weren't competing together anymore, we still shared a strong bond and could offer each other support and encouragement. It helped me feel like I wasn't completely leaving the sport behind.

Finally, I would encourage you to set new goals for yourself. Think about what you want to achieve in your personal or professional life, and set your sights on those goals. Having something to work towards can help you feel motivated and give you a sense of purpose and direction.

Remember, the end of your athletic career doesn't mean the end of your identity as an athlete. You can still carry the lessons and values you learned through sports with you in all aspects of your life. It may take time to adjust to this new phase of your life, but with time and effort, you will find new ways to thrive and succeed.