What happens when an athlete’s drive stays the same — but the structure that once supported it disappears? In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with former UC Davis volleyball player, professional beach volleyball athlete, athletic trainer, coach, and founder of Beyond the Game, Jill Muhe. Jill shares how sports shaped her from childhood, growing up as a “gym rat” with a coach for a dad, playing basketball and volleyball, and eventually choosing volleyball as her main path. She reflects on her collegiate career at UC Davis, her transition into professional beach volleyball, and the lessons she learned from competing at a high level. Key Topics Discussed - Growing up around sports and becoming a lifelong athlete - Jill’s journey from UC Davis volleyball to professional beach volleyball - The emotional reality of transitioning out of sport - Why athletes often struggle after losing the structure of sport - How networking can feel more natural when approached with curiosity - The importance of building relationships before the game ends - Why alumni engagement can help athletes prepare for life after sports - The connection between athlete identity, purpose, and career direction - Jill’s transition from athletic training to coaching to entrepreneurship - The inspiration behind Beyond the Game - Helping athletes navigate job searches, interviews, and career growth - Why athletes need support systems, not just motivation Key Takeaways Your Drive Is Not the Problem Jill explains that many athletes struggle after sports not because they lack motivation, but because the support structure they had in athletics is no longer there. In sport, athletes have coaches, schedules, recovery, accountability, trainers, seasons, and teammates. After sport, that structure disappears — but the drive remains. Networking Starts with Curiosity Jill encourages athletes to approach networking by asking questions and learning about other people’s journeys, instead of only reaching out when they need a job. A simple conversation like, “What you do looks cool. Can you tell me more about your journey?” can open doors and build real relationships. Transition Is More Than Getting a Job Rob and Jill discuss how many athletes focus only on landing the next role after sports. But the deeper challenge is learning how to thrive in a new environment, rebuild support, avoid burnout, and create a life that still feels meaningful. Sport Gives Athletes More Than Competition Jill shares that athletes need to understand what sport gave them on an intrinsic level — whether that is purpose, challenge, connection, growth, structure, or joy. Once athletes understand what they are really missing, they can begin to find those same motivators in other areas of life. About Jill Muhe Jill Muhe is a former UC Davis volleyball player, professional beach volleyball athlete, certified athletic trainer, college volleyball coach, and founder of Beyond the Game. Connect with Jill Muhe Website: https://jillmuhe.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillmuhe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthegame.co/ Connect with Alumni Direct Website: https://alumnidirect.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alumnidirectllc.203 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/70OS33fNGMmOQbEvCoTdvD Memorable Quotes > “Hang in there, you will figure it out, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” > “It will not go the way you think it will. But it will go.” > “Your drive is not the problem.” > “Nothing will ever feel the same way as when you were playing your sport at the highest level you could play it at.” > “We have to understand what sport gave us.” > “Networking is really how most people are landing their first job, their second job, their third job, their job after a layoff, their transition point, their pivot point.”
