In this talk, Kristen speaks of her journey, from being drafted and playing 13 seasons in the WNBA and internationally to coaching and then her eventual transition to working for Nike. After retiring by choice, she knew she wanted to stay in basketball and chose to try her hand at coaching. For Kristen, this seemed like the obvious next step considering her experience. After a fulfilling experience coaching for several years, Kristen was offered an opportunity through WIN (Women in Nike) and started working for Nike as a global business coordinator for purpose product. She explains how she saw an opportunity to make a bigger impact at a larger scale. Being in a new environment, Kristen finally felt the weight of her “retirement” and had the time to reflect on herself and begin establishing a new personal image aside from the title of athlete.
With her new career, she speaks of her drive to be known for something other than basketball, adjusting to the pace of the corporate world, and the tools she brings from her sport that have helped her navigate her new role. Kristen reflects on her frustration in feeling late to the game in the corporate world but how her athletic spirit is pushing her to continue her dreams off of the court.
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Transition Talks is an interview series with athletes sharing their own stories on the journey of athletic retirement and transition, and giving practical advice to other athletes who are experiencing or may experience similar challenges when they retire from athletic competition.
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Athletes Soul is a non-profit founded and run by former athletes to serve the interests of retiring athletes. Our mission is to support retiring athletes as they transition out of sports and raise awareness about the challenges of athletic retirement. To find out more, visit us at: http://www.athletessoul.org
