CAROLINA ASCENT INVESTS IN ASCEND TO THE TOP
The focus of this program is to encourage our female soccer athletes to pursue their dream of playing professionally with the recognition that professional soccer is an early career choice and should not hinder their trajectory in career success outside of sports. The goal of the program is to bridge the transition gap from professional athlete to the traditional workforce by addressing the need to prepare and empower our female athletes to consider their “next” by encouraging them to plan their future. The program is intended to provide a pathway from professional sports to the workforce for our athletes while eliminating the large transition gap that currently exists for many in that situation.
The Ascend to the Top Program addresses the various challenges that are evidenced by the data which showcases that many athletes retire from professional sports without adequate planning for their post-career lives. This leads to trouble adapting to their new circumstances, financial challenges, and in some cases, mental health problems (loss of sleep, lower self-esteem, sense of being unprepared) Voorheis- 2003.
This innovative program is the first of its kind and is focused on identifying the athletes’ individual skills, talents and abilities–and placing them with coaching to provide the professional development skills needed to ensure they “land” in a career where they will succeed.
This program is currently in operation and ready for expansion as soon as additional funding is obtained.
