More Than The Jersey

Written By Kristten Buttermore

Helping Athletes Explore Identity Beyond Sport

For many athletes, sport isn’t just something they do, it’s who they are. From an early age, they’ve been recognized as “the soccer player,” “the swimmer,” or “the one who crushes it on the court.” This recognition feels validating, but it can also create an identity that feels one-dimensional.

As therapists working with athletes, we know that this presents both a strength and a vulnerability. Their dedication, resilience, and work ethic serve them well but when performance, injury, or transitions disrupt their role as “athlete,” they may feel untethered.

Identity Foreclosure in Athletes

Psychologists refer to this as identity foreclosure when one role becomes so dominant that it overshadows other aspects of self. For athletes, the risks are clear:

  • A tough loss can feel like personal failure.

  • Injury may feel like a loss of identity, not just ability.

  • Retirement (whether after high school, college, or a professional career) can leave them wondering, “Who am I without my sport?”

As therapists, naming this pattern is the first step toward helping athletes recognize the importance of cultivating a more well-rounded identity.

Supporting Athletes in Broadening Identity

Therapy provides a space to honor their athletic identity while encouraging exploration of other strengths, passions, and roles. Here are some evidence-informed strategies you can introduce:

1. Explore Passions Outside of Sport

  • Ask: “What do you enjoy when you’re not training or competing?”

  • Encourage hobbies without performance pressure—music, art, reading, gaming, or creative outlets.

  • Therapeutic aim: Reinforce intrinsic enjoyment, not achievement.

2. Engage in Service or Community Activities

  • Suggest volunteering or joining a non-sport-related club.

  • Reflection exercise: “What do people value about you when your jersey isn’t on?”

  • Therapeutic aim: Broaden sources of belonging and validation.

3. Build Academic or Skill-Based Confidence

  • Help athletes identify areas of curiosity like new skills, coursework, or even career exploration.

  • Encourage linking athletic strengths (discipline, focus, resilience) to new pursuits.

  • Therapeutic aim: Strengthen the narrative that their mind is just as powerful as their body.

One of my favorite ways to explore these areas is by doing a “Balance Wheel” (you can download that with the link below). It can be eye opening, and sometimes a little jarring, for athletes to recognize how balanced (or imbalanced) different areas of life truly are.  

Clinical Takeaway

Athletic identity is a tremendous asset but it shouldn’t be the only anchor of self. When we help athletes cultivate an identity that extends beyond performance, we are setting them up to be successful not only in sport, but in life. 

References:

Athletic Identity & Identity Foreclosure

  • Brewer, B. W., Van Raalte, J. L., & Linder, D. E. (1993). Athletic Identity: Hercules’ Muscles or Achilles Heel?International Journal of Sport Psychology, 24, 237–254.

  • Murphy, G. M., Petitpas, A. J., & Brewer, B. W. (1996). Identity foreclosure, athletic identity, and career maturity in intercollegiate athletes. The Sport Psychologist, 10(3), 239–246. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.10.3.239

Transition & Loss of Athletic Role

  • Park, S., Lavallee, D., & Tod, D. (2013). Athletes’ career transition out of sport: A systematic review. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 6(1), 22–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2012.687053

  • Wylleman, P., Alfermann, D., & Lavallee, D. (2004). Career transitions in sport: European perspectives.Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 5(1), 7–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1469-0292(02)00049-3

Psychological Impact of Injury & Over-Identification with Sport

  • Brewer, B. W. (1993). Self-identity and specific vulnerability to depressed mood. Journal of Personality, 61(3), 343–364. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.1993.tb00284.x

  • Lally, P. (2007). Identity and athletic retirement: A prospective study. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 8(1), 85–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2006.03.003

Developing Identity Beyond Sport

  • Petitpas, A. J., Brewer, B. W., & Van Raalte, J. L. (2009). Transitions of the student-athlete: Theoretical, empirical, and practical perspectives. In E. Etzel (Ed.), Counseling and Psychological Services for College Student-Athletes(pp. 283–302). Fitness Information Technology.

  • Stambulova, N. B., & Wylleman, P. (2015). Dual career development and transitions. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 21, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2015.05.003

Tags:

Sport Psychology, Athletes, Athletics, Tools, Therapy tools

Kristten Buttermore
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