The transition from professional sports to the working world should be studied more deeply. The mental toll it takes on an athlete is not talked about enough. It’s similar to being the CEO of a $3 million company and then starting all the way over after a decade going door to door, selling.

I know entrepreneurship is in my blood, as it is with Sam. It gives me the competitive edge I’ve craved my whole life. Being able to tackle difficult tasks is what I live for pushing past discomfort, enduring pain and failure, and ultimately, years later, seeing what your hard work has turned into. It’s an addiction of sorts.

As an athlete who once operated at my highest potential, starting over to create a new identity is incredibly challenging. I’m lucky to have adopted a growth mindset, for it would not be possible to succeed in life after sports without the ability to see past temporary discomfort for the sake of greater gain and growth.