Retiring From Sport Can Feel Like a Death Nobody Acknowledges: Kelsey Gannett on Grieving the Athlete You Were

For years, your schedule, your body, your friendships, and your sense of who you are were all organized around one thing. Then it ends, and the people around you expect you to move on to the “real world” as if nothing was lost. Most retired athletes never get permission to grieve, so the loss goes unspoken and the identity underneath it goes unrebuilt. Kelsey Gannett, a coach based in Northern Virginia who works with athletes through this transition, joins Stacey Chillemi to talk about the grief that follows retirement from athletic organizations and what it takes to move into professional life without leaving yourself behind. What she shares about helping athletes process what they feel, redefine who they are beyond the sport, and carry their strengths into whatever comes next will give any retired athlete, or anyone who loves one, language for what is happening and a place to start. You did not stop being an athlete the day the career ended. This episode is about who you become next. You can find Kelsey Gannett on TikTok and Instagram by searching for @theretiredathletecoach. Sponsored by: Wellness Essential: Are you looking for a one-stop shop for health and wellness products? Visit Wellness Essential. Our online store offers high-quality vitamins, supplements, and cutting-edge technologies to enhance well-being. Subscribe to our newsletter and get 15% off your first order. Discover a healthier you at Wellness Essential - Shop now! Become a supporter of this podcast: . Follow The Advisor with Stacey Chillemi for weekly episodes on mindset, wellness, spirituality, and business growth—without burnout. Newsletter & resources: https://substack.com/@staceychillemi Watch & connect: • • Be a guest/sponsor: [email protected] • or Disclaimer: Educational only; not medical, mental-health, or legal advice. © The Advisor with Stacey Chillemi. All rights reserved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices