The Importance of Mentorship in the Transition Process

When I first stepped away from basketball, I thought I’d left the game behind for good. But as life often does, it had other plans for me. The opportunity to mentor the Swedish U20 women’s national team brought me back to the sport in a way I’d never experienced before—and it reminded me why mentorship is so essential, especially during transitions.

Mentorship is about more than just giving advice or sharing expertise; it’s about connection. It’s about creating a space where someone feels seen, heard, and supported. For athletes navigating the ups and downs of life beyond sports, having someone who’s “been there” can make all the difference. I know this because mentorship has profoundly impacted my life—both as a mentee and a mentor.

How Mentorship Found Me

Sometimes, we’re so busy being our toughest critics that we fail to see the progress we’ve already made. That was me. Even as I was working toward building my mental performance coaching business, I often felt like I wasn’t doing enough. But then, in the summer of 2024, an opportunity landed in my lap that made me realize just how far I’d come.

A few years earlier, I’d started a conversation with a colleague about working with the Swedish youth national team. At the time, the timing never seemed right. One summer, I was grieving the loss of my father. The next, I was fresh out of retirement and needed space to process that transition. But in 2024, everything aligned. The woman who introduced me to the project—a woman I deeply respect—had waited patiently for me to be ready. She believed I was the right person for the job, even when I doubted myself. Her belief gave me the courage to step into this new role.

That summer, I joined the U20 women’s national team as they prepared for the European Championships. My role wasn’t about following a set plan—it was about being present. I was there to listen, to guide, to encourage, and to be a steady presence when things got tough. The experience brought me back into the sport I love, but it also showed me the profound impact mentorship can have, especially on young athletes.

What Mentorship Really Means

Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers. In fact, one of the first things I told the athletes was that there’s no perfect way to do anything—not in basketball, and not in life. What mentorship is about is being a source of support and understanding. It’s about walking alongside someone as they navigate their own journey.

For the young women I worked with, the transition they faced wasn’t retirement—it was the pressure and uncertainty of competing on an international stage. Some were struggling with self-doubt, others with the weight of expectations. My job wasn’t to fix their problems but to be there for them, to let them know they weren’t alone, and to remind them of their strength.

I became a sounding board for their fears, a shoulder to cry on when emotions ran high, and a voice of reason when things felt overwhelming. Whether we were dealing with tough losses, navigating team dynamics, or celebrating hard-fought wins, my goal was always the same: to create a safe space where they could grow and thrive.

Lessons I Learned as a Mentor

Looking back on that summer, I realize that mentoring those young women taught me just as much as I taught them. Here are a few of the biggest lessons I took away:

Progress Often Goes UnnoticedIt’s easy to overlook the strides you’re making in the moment. I’ve seen this in myself, and I saw it in the athletes I mentored. Progress isn’t always flashy—it’s in the small, consistent steps that lead to growth.
There’s No Perfect Way to MentorAs much as I wanted to be the perfect mentor, I quickly realized that perfection isn’t the goal. What matters is showing up authentically, being present, and meeting people where they are.
Mentorship is a Two-Way StreetWhile I was there to guide the athletes, they also inspired me. Their resilience, determination, and vulnerability reminded me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place and why I’m so passionate about helping others.

Why Mentorship is Crucial for Athletes

Athletes, especially those navigating transitions, need someone who understands the unique challenges they face. When I retired from basketball, I felt isolated—like no one could really grasp what I was going through. It’s one thing to hear generic advice like “you’ll figure it out” or “just keep working hard,” but it’s another to have someone who’s been in your shoes say, “I see you, and I get it.”

That’s what mentorship offers: connection, understanding, and guidance from someone who’s walked a similar path. It’s not about solving all the problems or having a perfect plan. It’s about being a steady presence during the messy, uncertain, and transformative moments.

Takeaway

Mentorship changed my life, and it’s why I’m so passionate about offering that same support to others. Whether it’s a young athlete preparing for competition or someone navigating the transition out of sports, having someone who “gets it” can make all the difference.

If you’re an athlete feeling stuck, lost, or uncertain about what’s next, I want you to know that you’re not alone. There’s no perfect way to transition, but with the right support, you can move forward with confidence and clarity.