A confident coach wearing glasses and a red-and-white shirt exudes a professional demeanor and approachable charm. Athletic careers, for most professionals, end sooner than anyone anticipates; elite careers rarely extend beyond ten years, and many athletes find themselves retired around age 34[1]. Yet the preparation for that moment — for what comes next — rarely receives the same dedication, coaching, or structured support that the sporting career itself commands. Consequent

Sunlight bathes an empty football stadium, highlighting the lush green field and rows of red seats, awaiting the excitement of match day. Athletic careers are remarkable; they demand extraordinary sacrifice, discipline, and commitment across years of training and competition. Yet they also end, often abruptly and earlier than most athletes anticipate. Research suggests that 46.4% of athletes experience mental health difficulties following retirement, including depression and