Athletic retirement can be one of the most difficult times of transition for athletes. This book was created to foster, and normalize, the conversation around this challenging time period and to enlighten the reader with real-life experiences and lessons learned from those who have already walked this path. Learn how to embrace the change and move forward after athletic retirement by hearing from several contributing authors, including professional and Olympic athletes, who gained monumental insight from their own athletic retirement experiences.

Kelsey Ruffing, MA, MS, LCPC is one of the co-authors contributing learned experience from athletic retirement due to career-ending injury. Kelsey discusses how she went from injured athlete to a career as a mental health therapist who specializes in chronic pain and sports injury. She discusses the importance of following your gut and your passions, and how you can transform your most difficult times into the stepping stones for a successful future.

Soul Of An Athlete was created by Myriam Glez, a two-time Olympian, and founder & CEO of Athletes Soul. Athletes Soul is a non-profit organization founded and run by former athletes. Its mission is to support athletes as they transition out of sports and raise awareness about the challenges of athletic retirement. Athletes Soul offers educational events and resources and transition coaching to support athletes before, during and after their athletic retirement.