Transitions are universal. At some point, we all face moments when life shifts—when what once felt certain suddenly becomes unclear. Whether it’s stepping away from a sport, a career, or a long-held identity, the in-between can be both unsettling and transformative.

 

For athletes, this transition often comes too soon, with little preparation for what lies ahead. The roar of the crowd fades, the structured routines disappear, and questions about “what’s next” loom large.

 

Michael, my co-founder and friend, knows this reality all too well. As the Associate Head Men’s Basketball Coach at a small college in South Carolina, he’s spent years mentoring young athletes. In March of last year, his seniors began coming to him—not with questions about the game, but with concerns about life. Graduation was approaching, and they felt lost. Some didn’t know what they wanted next; others had dreams but no clear path to pursue them.

 

At the same time, I was working on a program designed to help young people navigate transitions. When Michael shared his athletes’ struggles, something clicked. This wasn’t just a problem—it was an opportunity to create something meaningful, something that could truly make a difference in their lives.

 

I’ve seen the impact of these transitions up close. Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with friends, colleagues, and former athletes who have wrestled with leaving behind a life they knew so well. Even Michael, years removed from his own days as a collegiate and professional athlete, shared how he still feels the weight of that transition.

 

I asked Michael for 30 days to reimagine the program. I listened to athletes, dug into the research, and explored what was missing. What emerged wasn’t just a program—it was the beginning of Gap Year Unveiled.

 

Our mission is clear: to empower athletes to navigate life’s transitions with purpose, clarity, and confidence. Gap Year Unveiled is more than a resource; it’s a community. A place where athletes can unpack their experiences, rediscover their identity, and build a foundation for what’s next.

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We believe transitions are not the end of the story—they’re the beginning of something extraordinary.