In this episode of After the Game, I sit down with Kiki Howard, a graduate student at Piedmont University, former competition cheerleader, and now a first grade teacher, to talk about what it really looks like to step into the next chapter of life.
Kiki shares her journey from the structure and identity of being a collegiate athlete to navigating the uncertainty that comes when that chapter ends. We dive into the emotional side of transition, losing a routine, redefining purpose, and figuring out who you are beyond your sport.
Now in the classroom, Kiki opens up about how she found her passion for teaching, the challenges and rewards of working with first graders, and how her experience as an athlete still shows up in her life today.
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.