Past the Pitch: 6 Careers for Athletes Who Want to Give Back

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Professional athletic careers are incredibly competitive, and only the most lucky are fortunate enough to pursue a meaningful, extended career in sports. But even for those lucky enough to play professional sports, it is often a short-lived career — due to injury, aging, or even the desire to pursue a less physically demanding career.

What are athletes supposed to do when they can no longer make a living on the field?

Let’s explore some careers for former athletes who want sports or athletics to remain a part of their career path.

What are some careers for athletes?

Athletes spend so much of their time in high-action, physically-taxing, and exciting environments. It’s understandable that many former athletes would want to pursue an equally dynamic and high-energy career post their athletic one.

Here are just a few of the engaging and competitive jobs for former athletes available:

1. Athletic Director

From hiring coaches to scheduling team training, from overseeing budgets to approving marketing initiatives, athletic directors are responsible for organizing the logistics of a school’s or team’s operations. Athletic directors also work to promote an inclusive and efficient athletic environment — wherever they are employed.

Former athletes know how critical the role of athletic director is, and for this reason, former sports professionals who are passionate about communication and organization are perfect for filling this role.

The average salary estimate for athletic directors is between $61,000 and $96,000.

2. Sports Information Directors

Sports information directors are public relations specialists who work in the athletic sector — they act as a liaison between teams, the media, and the public. Just like athletes train to ensure optimal performance, sports information directors work to highlight and promote a team’s or institution’s accomplishments.

Former athletes who secure a career as a sports information director are most likely to earn between $85,000 and $144,000 a year.

3. Executive Sports Recruiter

Employed by teams, academic institutions, and agencies, sports recruiters are tasked with finding the best sports talent. They may also be responsible for filling other roles, such as coaching positions. Sports recruiters are competitive, ambitious, and personable professionals who know how to negotiate and enlist talent.

With a job growth rate of 12.9 percent and an average salary of about $65,000 (and up to $100,000), executive sports recruiters can expect to work in a growing and exciting field.

4. Personal Trainer

Personal trainers are some of the most sought-after athletic/health professionals today. They are responsible for helping clients achieve their physical fitness goals. Personal trainers may be employed in academic institutions, fitness and recreation centers, yoga studios, boot camps, and sports clubs.

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fitness trainers are predicted to see an astounding 39 percent job growth rate in the field. Personal trainers can also expect to make an average salary of about $64,000 per year.

5. Sportscaster

As a sportscaster, you’ll work as a television or radio broadcaster who may report sports news or provide running commentary of a sports event. If you’re gifted at storytelling and if you love a fast-paced work environment, you’ll thrive as a sportscaster.

While salary ranges will vary by location and experience level, the average ESPN reporter makes about $85,000 per year.

6. Referee

No one knows the rules of the game better than a referee. As a former athlete, you’re well versed in the rules as well. Referees work to ensure that the rules of the game are followed and that the integrity of the sport is maintained.

Becoming a referee allows you to get up close and personal with your favorite teams and get to know your sport from a new angle.

The predicted job growth for referees is a healthy 29 percent, while the salary varies based on position, location, and experience.

West Virginia University — a home for former athletes looking to give back.

At West Virginia University, we employ professors and staff who have been in the industry for many years and who know what skills are essential to be a valuable member in the sports industry. They are well equipped to help former athletes obtain the graduate degree that will serve as a launching pad for a new career.

WVU’s College of Applied Human Sciences is the best choice for former athletes seeking to make a career shift. Our College of Applied Human Sciences offers several master's and doctoral programs that will help former athletes make the most of their knowledge base and passions: