Built to Win: Healing, Mindset & Motivation for Student-Athletes in Transition
Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
Young student-athletes often face pivotal moments after injury, burnout, or graduation stressors—deciding whether to transition into the workforce or continue competing at a university level. Built to Win: Healing, Mindset & Motivation for Student-Athletes in Transition is the first-ever athletic program designed for an interactive, motivational andragogy experience to help current/former athletes build the confidence, clarity, and resilience needed for either path.
Grounded in adult learning theory and neuroplasticity, this session blends a methodology of motivational coaching, art-based activities, and reflective practice to guide athletes in redefining success beyond the scoreboard. Through activities such as the Self-Care Wheel, Memory Wall, and Letter to Myself: The Comeback Edition, participants develop transferable skills including leadership, goal setting, self-regulation, and perseverance—skills essential for success in both career and collegiate athletic environments.
Recent presentations at the 2022 AACC Convention highlighted the growing role of athletics in community colleges. NJCAA Athletics – Maximizing Recruitment, Retention & Graduation demonstrated how two-year athletics programs support recruitment, retention, and graduation, while Outside the Lines: Wraparound Student Services in Athletics showcased how Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College uses coordinated support services to improve student-athlete outcomes (Community College Daily, 2022).
Attendees at Old Dominion University’s Knowledge & Creative Expo will explore how community colleges can implement athlete transition programs like Built to Win to enhance engagement, retention, and post-college success. Participants will also engage in a brief Built to Win activity, illustrating how creative, identity-focused support can strengthen student-athlete development and recruitment.
References
Community College Daily. (2022, April 13). NJCAA athletics, wraparound services highlighted at AACC convention. American Association of Community Colleges. https://www.ccdaily.com/2022/04/njcaa-athletics-wraparound-services-highlighted-aacc-convention.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Michelle Bartlett
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
mbartlet@odu.edu
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Community College Leadership Doctoral Program
College/School Affiliation
Darden College of Education & Professional Studies
Student Level Group
Graduate/Professional
Presentation Type
Poster
Built to Win
Built to Win: Healing, Mindset & Motivation for Student-Athletes in Transition
Young student-athletes often face pivotal moments after injury, burnout, or graduation stressors—deciding whether to transition into the workforce or continue competing at a university level. Built to Win: Healing, Mindset & Motivation for Student-Athletes in Transition is the first-ever athletic program designed for an interactive, motivational andragogy experience to help current/former athletes build the confidence, clarity, and resilience needed for either path.
Grounded in adult learning theory and neuroplasticity, this session blends a methodology of motivational coaching, art-based activities, and reflective practice to guide athletes in redefining success beyond the scoreboard. Through activities such as the Self-Care Wheel, Memory Wall, and Letter to Myself: The Comeback Edition, participants develop transferable skills including leadership, goal setting, self-regulation, and perseverance—skills essential for success in both career and collegiate athletic environments.
Recent presentations at the 2022 AACC Convention highlighted the growing role of athletics in community colleges. NJCAA Athletics – Maximizing Recruitment, Retention & Graduation demonstrated how two-year athletics programs support recruitment, retention, and graduation, while Outside the Lines: Wraparound Student Services in Athletics showcased how Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College uses coordinated support services to improve student-athlete outcomes (Community College Daily, 2022).
Attendees at Old Dominion University’s Knowledge & Creative Expo will explore how community colleges can implement athlete transition programs like Built to Win to enhance engagement, retention, and post-college success. Participants will also engage in a brief Built to Win activity, illustrating how creative, identity-focused support can strengthen student-athlete development and recruitment.
References
Community College Daily. (2022, April 13). NJCAA athletics, wraparound services highlighted at AACC convention. American Association of Community Colleges. https://www.ccdaily.com/2022/04/njcaa-athletics-wraparound-services-highlighted-aacc-convention.