A Parallel Journey: The varied roles of coaching in an elite athlete's transition to a second career

A Edwards International Journal of Evidence Based Coaching and Mentoring 2021

The one truth all athletes share is that their playing career will end, often before retirement age. While research into non-linear career journeys and work identity abounds, little exists into the plight of athletes, despite many having a sense of identity closely linked to what they do. Ten non-technical coaches, from two distinct groups, all of whom work with elite athletes were interviewed, and constructivist grounded theory methodology used to build an evidence-based model of how coaching can support an elite athlete’s transition to a second career. The findings show a role for coaching throughout the journey, delivered via different formats along the way.