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About Athlete Elevation Network LLC
Prioritizing the Wellbeing of Athletes in Life After Sport
Athlete Elevation Network provides holistic mental wellness solutions for former athletes, supporting their transition beyond sport. Through innovative programs, we address the emotional and psychological challenges that arise after retirement, helping athletes regain confidence, purpose, and stability. Our flagship program, WellEquined, integrates equine-assisted therapy with mindfulness practices to foster emotional resilience and self-reflection, creating a healing experience that promotes positive change. In addition, we offer personal development coaching to help athletes identify and apply transferable skills, cultivate a growth mindset, and navigate new opportunities beyond sport.
Our Story
Athlete Elevation Network was born from Dr. Dawn Whitaker’s years of research in athlete transition and her deep commitment to making a lasting impact in the lives of former athletes. While studying the lived experiences of former NFL players, she found a recurring theme—many transitioned out of football with no plan, feeling unprepared and adrift.
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One conversation, in particular, shaped her mission. A 26-year-old linebacker had just sustained a career-ending neck injury. When Dr. Whitaker asked about his plans after football, he admitted, “I’m scared—I have no idea what I’m going to do the rest of my life. I’ve always just focused on football.” His words underscored the urgent need for structured support, guidance, and mental wellness resources.
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Driven by this realization, Dr. Whitaker created Athlete Elevation Network and its flagship program, WellEquined, to provide former athletes with the tools, support, and self-awareness needed to navigate life beyond sport with confidence and purpose.
About Dr. Whitaker
Dr. Dawn Whitaker is a leader in athlete transition, dedicated to developing wellness-focused solutions that prioritize mental well-being and long-term success beyond sport. With a doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership, she applies principles of change management to help former athletes navigate the challenges of life after sport with clarity and confidence.
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Her research in athlete transition, particularly the experiences of former NFL players, revealed a critical gap in mental wellness support. This insight led to the creation of Athlete Elevation Network, where Dr. Whitaker provides wellness-focused and strategic planning support for current and former athletes. Her work bridges research and real-world application, ensuring that those she supports gain the tools needed to manage transitions, build resilience, and sustain long-term well-being. Through a holistic approach, she integrates equine-assisted therapy, mindfulness practices, and personal development strategies to help athletes cultivate clarity and purpose beyond sport.
Understanding that prioritizing well-being is essential for achieving balance and fulfillment, she shares her proven methods in her ebook, Lifestyle Redesign: A Guide to Self-Care, providing practical tools to support mental, emotional, and physical health.
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Athletes - What Are Your Passions Outside of Sport?
The transition to life after sport can be a difficult process for many athletes. When the end of an athlete's career is sudden or unexpected, it can be even more challenging, as they are often unprepared.
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Athletes commonly struggle with the loss of identity and purpose after retirement, leading to a series of psychological and emotional issues, including depression, anxiety, feelings of low self-worth, and a profound sense of disconnection.
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Without proper preparation, this significant life change can magnify the challenges experienced. Issues like difficulties in discovering a new career path, financial stress, and impacts on physical and mental well-being become more pronounced, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive support during this important phase in athletes' lives.