Weight of Water

Navigating Pressure and Identity as a Collegiate Swimmer

Abstract

This narrative article recounts my experience as a student-athlete. It focuses on the end of my collegiate career when I navigated pressure, disappointment, and identity challenges as I transitioned out of sport. Drawing from my experiences as a collegiate swimmer, I offer recommendations for sport professionals to address the gaps I observed in mental wellness and performance resources for student-athletes. These recommendations include adopting a holistic approach to support student-athletes. This holistic approach should address not only physical training but also mental, emotional, and personal development to better support student-athletes beyond their participation in sports.

         Keywords: collegiate athlete, student-athlete, swimmer, athletic identity, pressure, transition out of sport, mental well-being, mental performance, student-athlete support