Life After High School Athletics: “What Was Gained?”

In the modern world of education-based athletics, coaches do more than teach the X’s and O’s. Coaches are role models, imparting lessons of life, leadership, integrity and work ethic to their athletes. Student-athletes may spend more time with their coaches and teammates than they do with friends and family.

The true measure of success is not the total number of wins or championships, but rather how athletes apply the lessons learned from playing sports in their lives.

Keilee (Guthrie) Gulley, a former student-athlete at Alexander High School in Athens, Ohio, exemplifies the enduring impact of being a three-sport athlete in an education-based athletic program. Gulley has applied the principle of hard work in her everyday life.

“I learned very early that hard work will take you far,” Gulley said. “It applies to marriage and my time as a mother. In high school, it was about studying and getting up early to get to practice. Now it is about working hard on communicating with your spouse and giving your all to your children because they deserve your attention.”

Playing sports forged friendships that allowed Gulley to evolve into the person she is today.

“Without a doubt, because of sports I have the best friends. We learned to relate to each other on so many levels,” Gulley said. “My best friends and teammates from high school and college were the people who understood what it took to be an athlete. We have grown to understand each other and navigate life together.”

“You don’t get anywhere without trusting yourself,” Gulley said. “Trust is fostered when you know your teammates. We trusted each other with the most important aspects of our lives. The ability to trust is one of the most important aspects of life.”

Gulley learned to lean on her assistant coaches for leadership. The head basketball coach was her father, and she initially struggled to differentiate between coach and dad. She learned that sometimes you have to listen to someone else to see the bigger picture.

As a dad, and also in his role as a coach, he instilled in Gulley the values of leadership, integrity, and a work ethic. “Coaching is not a seasonal thing for him,” she said. “It is a way of life. We looked to him for guidance in everything, not just basketball.”

Despite enduring many losing seasons, Gulley and her team maintained their integrity. “Dad did not want us to win at any cost. He made sure we won with honor and integrity. We played within the spirit of the game, and we acted with class,” she said.

Gulley believes that being a high school athlete can translate into success in every aspect of life. “My time management skills all stem from juggling school work and playing on several teams. I learned that hard work is the key to anything in this life, and I apply that daily,” Gulley said. “Working with others is something you do every day. You must treat them fairly and listen to their viewpoint.”

Gulley was asked to respond to two reflective questions:

1. What lifelong values and qualities did you learn that you have used since graduating high school?

2. Who was the most positive person who influenced you while participating?

“Goodness, I feel like answering the second question may be the hardest, because when you’re from a small town, everyone and anyone can be listed, but here are a few:”

1. The Alexander Community: In a small town, everyone knows you, and when you play sports, you truly feel “famous.” The support and cheers from everyone were a highlight of my high school experience. I’m still grateful for the amazing community.

2. Our Athletic Director: Having someone who genuinely cares about the students and treats them with respect is rare. Our athletic director always treated us kindly, making life as an athlete easier.

3. My Coach: I’m fortunate because my coach was my dad, who has been a leader and positive influence in my life. He is my superhero, both on and off the court.

4. My Teammates: They were (and are) my best friends. We had to have a positive relationship with each other to trust one another and play the way we did. They continue to impact my life positively, and I’m grateful for that.

“High school athletics has helped shape me into the person I am today. The life lessons, friendships and memories are invaluable. I learned what it truly meant to be part of a team, how to lead, and how to respect others. Regardless of the outcome, who you are as a person, on or off the court, matters the most. Alexander High School provided me with the foundation to pursue my dreams and to play at the collegiate level. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity and everything I gained from participating in high school athletics. Alexander will always hold a special place in my heart.”

In response to the second question, Gulley added, “There are many values and qualities that I learned and gained since graduating high school. As a high school athlete, time management was a skill I learned, which has been crucial in college and my current occupation. Being part of a team taught me the importance of collaboration, essential in my role as a nurse. High school athletics also taught me to stand up for myself and advocate for what is right. These experiences have shaped me into the person I am today, equipping me with qualities and values that contribute to my success.”