The final whistle isn’t the end of the journey;
it’s the start of a new one.

Each year, 120,000 student-athletes transition out of competition. While nearly 4 million former NCAA athletes have walked this path, 98% build careers beyond professional sports and 60% struggle to navigate what comes next.

The SHIELD Foundation exists to empower athletes to thrive beyond the game.

We provide former student-athletes with the resources necessary to ensure a successful transition in their life after sports. 

Throughout the transitional phase following one’s career playing sports, one’s success can often be replaced by the overwhelming fear of uncertainty, and/or failure. While others feel they are losing their identity.