The Mental Health of Athletes Inside and Outside of the Game

For Emma Kiesekamp, basketball was more than a sport, it was home. As a two-time national champion with Carleton University’s women’s basketball team, she built her world around the game. Early mornings, late practices, team huddles, and packed gyms were all part of her identity. The rhythm of being an athlete shaped her sense of self for over a decade.

But what happens when that rhythm stops?

For many athletes, stepping away from their sport, whether through graduation, injury, or personal choice, it can feel like hitting a wall. Emma's story sheds light on the emotional and mental journey that follows, reminding us that while the game may end, the impact of sport on mental health is far from over.

1. The Breakup No One Talks About

Leaving the game behind, even on your own terms, can feel like losing a part of yourself. Emma described it as a breakup—sudden and disorienting. The structure, the community, the clear sense of purpose, gone in an instant. She went from daily team practices and clear performance goals to a life without that consistent framework. It’s a transition many athletes aren’t emotionally prepared for. The result? Grief, confusion, and sometimes a quiet loneliness that’s hard to explain to those outside the game.

Luckily for Emma, she experienced the pandemic in her 3rd year at Carleton, making it apparent to face what her life would be like without basketball. This abrupt stop of the world made Emma begin to mentally prepare for the end of an era. 

2. Mental Health Support That Makes a Difference

Emma opened up to her coaches about the emotional weight she was carrying—how the demands of the game and the pressure to perform were affecting her beyond the court. Her honesty was met with support, and in response, the coaching staff connected her with someone who could help her build the mental and emotional tools to stay balanced.

In her final year at Carleton, she began working with a performance coach—a professional who combines elements of therapy with mental skills training tailored for athletes. This wasn’t just about visualization or preparing for game-day nerves. It was about managing anxiety, staying grounded, and creating strategies to thrive under pressure. Emma used breathing exercises and even drew a shark fin on her hand as a subtle cue to stay present and focused during stressful moments. That simple visual became a powerful anchor for her mindset, on and off the court.

Working with the coach helped Emma build clarity, confidence, and become a calm presence for her team. Her mindset strengthened. By being open about her experience, Emma helped contribute to a growing culture where seeking support is encouraged and normalized.

3. Life After Sport

The toughest part for Emma wasn’t competing at the highest level—it was figuring out who she was without the game. After her final season, she found herself grieving. She missed the team dynamic, the adrenaline of game day, and the sense of purpose basketball gave her. Like many athletes, she had spent so long being “Emma Kiesekamp, number 10” that she wasn’t quite sure who she was without that title.

What’s helped her through it? The same mental wellness strategies she learned while still playing. Emma continues to prioritize her mental health, leaning on the tools and support systems she built in her final year. Her story is a powerful reminder that athletes don’t stop needing support once their careers end—in many ways, that’s when they need it most.