Roger Hampel
Photo Credit: Como Women via Instagram
Transitioning from a professional sports career can be daunting for athletes, who often spend their lives focused on intense training and competition. Recognizing the unique challenges of this transition, F.C. Como Women has launched the innovative BEYOND program, designed to support and empower its players as they prepare for opportunities beyond soccer. This initiative goes beyond the field, equipping players with the skills, insights, and confidence they need to navigate careers outside of sports.
Introducing ‘BEYOND’: Building Skills for New Paths Beyond the Field
BEYOND is a thoughtfully curated series of sessions led by F.C. Como Women’s CEO, Elena Mirandola. The program brings together seasoned professionals from both sports and other industries to share their experiences, insights, and practical advice on career-building beyond soccer. Kicking off on October 31, the first session featured former volleyball star Sonja Percan, now a Senior Program Manager at Amazon Web Services. Sonja’s journey from elite athlete to a new professional realm set the tone for an enriching discussion on perseverance, identity, networking, and the adaptability of skills learned through sports.
Lessons in Perseverance and Facing New Challenges
In her session, Sonja encouraged Como Women players to “explore and stay curious.” She acknowledged that as a young professional athlete, thinking about paths beyond the soccer field can be challenging. “The key,” she advised, “is to experiment, study, and use your free time wisely.” This proactive approach helps athletes begin crafting a future that is as fulfilling and impactful as their time on the field.
Soft Skills and Networking: Building Teamwork Beyond Sports
The skills cultivated on the soccer field, such as teamwork, resilience, and adaptability, are invaluable in any professional setting. “I took the skills I learned in sports and transferred them to the workplace,” Sonja shared. Recognizing her work environment as a new “team,” she quickly established trust and camaraderie, essential components of any successful career. Sports teach foundational skills that can be surprisingly transferable, from leadership to handling setbacks—an important lesson for Como Women athletes planning their own professional journeys.
Redefining Identity: Moving Beyond the Athlete Persona
For many athletes, moving on from their professional identity is as challenging as learning a new career. “Leaving behind ‘Sonja the volleyball player’ wasn’t easy,” Sonja admitted. The shift from being recognized as an athlete to embracing a broader professional identity can be unsettling but necessary for building a meaningful second act. With the BEYOND initiative, F.C. Como Women is helping players recognize this transition as an opportunity to evolve and redefine themselves beyond their athletic achievements.
Opportunities and Goals: Building Confidence for the Future Como Women BEYOND
“This initiative is part of F.C. Como Women’s mission and, broadly, Mercury/13’s, to create a dedicated platform for our players’ growth and excellence on and off the field,” says Elena Mirandola. She emphasized the importance of preparing players to envision their future by giving them the tools they need for personal and professional success. “Many players are young, and starting to structure their futures now will empower them to become more confident individuals.”
Comments