Hundreds of Zachary parents are likely still in shock at how quickly it all flew by. One minute, they were cheering from the stands; the next, they were watching their child walk across the stage in cap and gown. Now that the latest batch of Broncos has received their diplomas, some teens may just be coming to terms with the fact that their days on a team are officially behind them.

It’s a reality playing out in families across the country. After all, only a small percentage of high school athletes go on to compete at the collegiate level. For those whose identities have been deeply tied to a jersey number or practice schedule, the sudden absence of routine and performance goals can feel like a painful kind of loss. Parents and athletes alike may now find themselves quietly asking: What comes next?

Local licensed counselor and mental health expert Myiesha Spears-Beard of Restore Counseling Services in Zachary advises to start encouraging kids to tap into their other talents early on. “Focus on being more than the win,” she says. “Your alternative options are endless,” she says. Setting a foundation beyond a specific sports ability so that the athlete’s self-confidence isn’t solely tied to the one sport is key. 

Learning to let go

For the Conachen family of Zachary, the transition from high school athletics came much sooner—and more abruptly—than expected. On September 29, 2023, five-sport athlete Kellen Conachen completed the extra point kick for the Broncos after their first touchdown against West Monroe. Moments later, he left the football field on a stretcher. An orthopedic surgeon who happened to be at the game set his broken leg and applied an air cast on the field. Within hours, Kellen was in surgery, where a titanium rod was inserted into his leg to stabilize a tib-fib break just below the knee.

Kellen Conachen leaving the field in an ambulance with a broken leg

For a student-athlete used to juggling five sports, the shift was dramatic. Instead of training for soccer’s senior night or a final track season, Kellen was fighting just to walk again. But through the physical pain and the emotional weight of losing his senior year, he remained remarkably positive.

Despite the setback, Kellen left Zachary High School with an impressive 15 varsity letters. He had competed in multiple cross country, indoor, and state meets, started on the soccer team as a freshman, and helped win a football state championship in the Superdome.

These days, he is a mechanical engineering major at LSU, making the Dean’s List both semesters this year. He’s not playing sports at the collegiate level, but he is currently training for a triathlon with a group of friends.  

His story is a reminder of just how important it is to build an identity beyond the scoreboard.

Even for families whose athletes continue at the collegiate level, the end of high school sports marks a significant transition—one that comes with pride, nostalgia, and reflection.

Amy Holstein understands that reality well. As the mother of 2022 Zachary High School graduate and current University of Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein, she’s seen both the heights of athletic success and the personal challenges that come with it.

“You’ve got to know who you are outside of sports, because it can be taken away at any moment,” Amy once told her son. “Football does not define who you are. First, you’re a child of God, a person. God has blessed you with a talent, and you’ve gotta use it while you have it. It’s not gonna be there forever—even if you play all the way. Even if you don’t lose it ’til you’re 40. You’ve gotta learn to live without it.”

ZHS Quarterback Eli Holstein now plays for the Pittsburgh Panthers

And while Eli’s football journey continues in college, Amy knows this chapter was still something special.

“There’s nothing like high school football,” she says.

Her words echo the heart of what so many parents and athletes are feeling right now: gratitude, loss, pride—and the challenge of building a life beyond the scoreboard.

Keeping Movement Part of Their Lifestyle

Just because the final inning has been played doesn’t mean the game is over. ZHS graduate John Bradley, a standout on the baseball field, has already found new ways to stay active and connected to the sports he loves. In the days since graduation, he’s discovered a new appreciation for golf and tennis—trading cleats for clubs and rackets just for the fun of it. He's continued his weight lifting regiment, and is working for a local landscaping company. He’s also been asked by local parents to give catching lessons, allowing him to pass on his skills and stay involved in the game on his own terms. Athletics don’t have to end with high school—they just evolve.

Recent graduate John Bradley may offer catching lessons for local kids. 

Staying physically active isn’t just good for the body—it’s essential for mental health, especially for former student-athletes. After years of structured practices and adrenaline-fueled competition, the sudden slowdown can leave teens feeling unmoored. Regular movement—whether it’s hitting the driving range, going for a jog, or just tossing a ball in the backyard—can help ease the emotional drop-off that often follows a final season. Maintaining some form of physical activity is one of the most effective ways to combat anxiety and depression, providing a natural boost to mood, energy and self-esteem.

Shifting Focus to What’s Next

This year’s ZHS Valedictorian, and star swimmer, Evelyn Deroche describes how finding a new focus can help ease the transition.

“I’ve been training to be a pilot since January and I hope to be licensed later this summer,” Deroche says. “Having a goal to work toward helped tremendously with the transition away from being a student-athlete. Instead of looking forward to my next swim meet, I started looking forward to my next phase check and important flight lesson.”

Start the Conversation Early

Encouraging open conversations about identity, purpose, and goals outside of sports can make a meaningful difference. Acknowledge the loss that comes with stepping away from team life—but also help your teen see the bigger picture. Remind them that their worth isn’t tied to a jersey number or a stat sheet. Helping teens discover multiple sources of purpose and joy can ease this transition.

Support can come in many forms:

• Listening without judgment

• Helping them explore new passions

• Celebrating their character over their performance

• Guiding them toward opportunities that align with their strengths

• Supporting recreational play outside of competition 

As counselor Myiesha Spears-Beard advises, building a foundation that’s not solely rooted in athletic success gives teens the confidence to move forward with resilience and clarity.