VESTAL, N.Y. -- Transitioning out of sport is a major life shift involving the loss of routine, identity, and social structure, often leading to grief or anxiety.  Hanging Up The Jersey, the workshop, explored the transition out of athletics through the lens of identity, grief, and growth. Led by former Division I athlete and mental health clinician Caitlin Broadwell, this session helped athletes expand their identity, develop healthy coping strategies, and begin building purpose beyond sport, before the game ends.  With experience from playing, research, and practical knowledge, Broadwell brings passion and purpose to the mental health in athletics industry.
 
"Caitlin helped us see our lives more holistically, beyond just our identities as athletes." Said Patricia Nester, a senior on the women's track and field team.  "I feel more prepared to graduate in a few weeks and transition away from my sport, and I'm excited to continue learning from her through her book and podcast, Hanging Up the Jersey."
 
"It's incredible to see Binghamton Athletics investing in preparing student athletes for life after sport." Said Caitlin Broadwell, author.  "This transition is often overlooked, even though research shows how critical it is for long-term success. Hanging up the jersey isn't just a physical shift; it's an emotional, social, and identity transition and having space to talk about that is powerful."
 
Caitlin Broadwell, APCC serves as the Case Manager at Long Beach State, assisting athletes in mental health needs.  A native to Lawrence, Kansas and a graduate of Colorado State University Pueblo and Louisiana State University (LSU), has had clinical training in school counseling and sport psychology while at LSU. She was a collegiate indoor volleyball player in undergraduate school and used her fifth year of eligibility at LSU to play beach volleyball while earning a Master's in Kinesiology and a Master's in Counseling.  Caitlin's clinical interests include life after sport, identity development, sport and career related issues, and trauma.

This presentation is being supported by the America East Conference through its Student-Athlete Initiative grant.