Supporting Athletes Beyond Sport: A single case study on the implementation of the Sport2Next Protocol
Published 2025-12-19
Keywords
- Athlete career transition, Sport2Next protocol, Post-athletic identity, Psychological support, Career development, Sport psychology intervention.
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2025 Francesca Morelli, Pietro Paolo Di Somma, Enrica Tortora, Serena Genghi, Serena Porpora, Chiara Cioffi, Fabiana Iacopino, Gianmaria Granato, Nunzia Annunziata, Vincenzo Filoso, Carlo Acanfora, Antonio Rivoli, Marco Filippini, Valeria Cioffi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Background: This single-case study explores the application of the Sport2Next protocol to support an élite athlete in transitioning away from sport during the final phase of his professional basketball career. Developed within a multidisciplinary and preventive framework, this protocol integrates psychological, educational, and career development strategies to promote life after sport readiness, financial stability, and psychological well-being. Organized into four progressive phases – initial assessment, targeted training, job market preparation, and traditional working-world integration – the intervention can facilitate a smoother and more meaningful post-career transition.
Case Study: The subject had previously attended economic studies and stated that his target would have been to become a financial advisor. Nonetheless, because he was experiencing uncertainty and apprehension about his future after sport, he decided to pursue the Sport2Next pathway. Gradually, he was able to delve into himself, to better understand his potential, and eventually managed to shape his professional identity, which was confirmed as being adequate to the economic and financial fields. Psychological assessments revealed high levels of self-regulation, autonomy, and proactive learning, while also indicating areas for improvement, such as limited critical self-reflection and a tendency to assume excessive responsibility. Through structured support, the subject developed greater clarity, resilience, and motivation to pursue a career path aligned with both his personal skills and values.
Conclusions: This case study underscores the potential of the Sport2Next protocol as a replicable model for supporting athletes – regardless of their sport, age, or gender – through career transitioning. By emphasizing early preparation, personalized support, self-assessment, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the protocol addresses the complex emotional, cognitive, and practical challenges athletes face upon retirement, facilitating sustainable and meaningful reintegration beyond sport.
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