When the Applause Stops: Life After Recognition

In episode 9 of After the Game, I sit down with Brook Patton, a graduate student at Piedmont University and former collegiate tennis player, to talk about what happens when the recognition fades and the routine of being an athlete comes to an end.

We dive into the reality of transitioning out of college sports, the loss of structure, the shift in identity, and the emotional side of no longer competing at the level you once did. Brook shares her personal experience navigating life after tennis, from missing the game to rediscovering who she is beyond it.

This episode is for any athlete who has ever wondered, “What comes next?” When the applause stops, who are you really, and how do you move forward?

What is After the Game?

After the Game is a podcast hosted by Jailyn Green that explores life beyond sports. Through honest conversations with former athletes, the show dives into the emotional and mental journey of transitioning away from competition, when routines end, identities shift, and a new chapter begins. After the Game highlights growth, mental health, and purpose, reminding listeners that while the game may end, the journey continues on.