In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs, Rob Finkelstein sits down with Rhonda Rajsich, a world champion racquetball player and passionate advocate for athlete empowerment, youth engagement, and mental resilience. Rhonda’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and using the power of sport to inspire others long after the competition ends.Coming from a high-achieving athletic family, Rhonda embraced pressure as a privilege and developed a mindset that fueled her success on and off the court. With a career that includes multiple world titles, Rhonda is now focused on coaching, speaking, and raising awareness for racquetball, all while helping athletes navigate the often challenging transition out of sports.Rob and Rhonda explore the intersection of athletics, entrepreneurship, and identity, touching on how youth sports are evolving, why networking is essential, and how the discipline and drive athletes possess naturally align with business success. Rhonda also shares her thoughts on NIL opportunities in niche sports, the emotional side of retirement from competition, and why it's critical to rediscover joy in the game.---Key Takeaways:- Pressure is a Privilege: Rhonda learned early on how to channel pressure into performance and personal growth.- Diverse Sports Experience Builds Resilience: Competing in multiple sports helped her avoid burnout and stay well-rounded.- Networking Fuels Opportunities: Relationships built during sports can open doors in business and beyond.- Racquetball Needs a Revival: The sport is losing courts and youth participation—awareness is key to its growth.- Joy Over Pressure: Athletes should play for passion, not just performance.- Business & Sports Align: Athletes’ discipline, grit, and adaptability translate directly into entrepreneurship.- NIL in Racquetball is Untapped: There’s potential, but more awareness and advocacy are needed.- Coaching with Purpose: Rhonda is now mentoring others, using her platform to make a difference.- Mental Health Matters: Navigating the emotional side of leaving competition is just as important as the physical.- From Athlete to Advocate: Rhonda’s mission now is about impact, not just accolades.---Connect with Rhonda Rajsich:Instagram: @rhondarajsich LinkedIn: www.linkedin/in/rhondarajsich---Connect with Us:Follow Alumni Direct for more inspiring stories of athletes making an impact beyond sports:📸 Instagram: [@AlumniDirect](https://www.instagram.com/alumnidirect)💼 LinkedIn: [Alumni Direct](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alumnidirect)📘 Facebook: [Alumni Direct](https://www.facebook.com/alumnidirect)If you’re an athlete navigating life after sports, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical insights to help you thrive!Don’t forget to share this with fellow athletes, coaches, and entrepreneurs—and join our growing community today.
