athlete identity

Athlete identity refers to how strongly a person’s sense of self is connected to being an athlete. It shapes how they see themselves, their confidence, and their habits, both during and outside of sports. If someone’s identity is closely tied to athletic success, challenges like injury or retirement can significantly impact their self-worth and well-being. Understanding athlete identity helps coaches, trainers, and psychologists support athletes in maintaining a balanced self-concept, fostering resilience, and preparing for transitions in their sports careers.