In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey, host Rob Finkelstein, Founder & CEO of Alumni Direct, sits down with Brad Ring — former **professional soccer player and MLS 17th overall draft pick, who has successfully transitioned from the pitch to the world of sales and athlete mental health advocacy.A High School and Collegiate All-American and team captain at Indiana University**, Brad played nine professional seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes, Portland Timbers, and Indy Eleven** before co-founding the USLPA (United Soccer League Players Association). Today, he’s also a color analyst for Indy Eleven Pro Soccer and a passionate advocate for athlete mental wellness through his work with OnRise.Together, Rob and Brad dive deep into the **realities of life after sports** — from identity loss and transition challenges to the power of networking, education, and community. Brad shares how athletes can leverage their competitive mindset to build success in business and sales, while emphasizing the importance of **mental health, mentorship, and alumni engagement** in creating a sustainable life beyond the game.---Rob and Brad unpack:- The identity challenges athletes face when retiring from professional sports- Why networking during your playing career sets you up for future success- The role of education and mentorship in career transitions- How alumni networks create valuable support systems- NIL’s growing impact on college athletics — and why it needs clearer regulation- The transferable skills athletes bring to entrepreneurship and sales- The importance of prioritizing mental health post-career- How organizations like OnRise are reshaping athlete wellnessIf you’ve ever wondered how athletes transform their drive and discipline into business success, this episode is packed with insights on **turning transition into transformation**.Because as Brad reminds us:Life after sports is possible — if you prepare for it early.”Connect with Brad Ring- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-ring-2018)- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/bradring87/)- [X (Twitter)](https://x.com/BradRing87)🎧 Hosted by Rob Finkelstein, Founder & CEO of **Alumni Direct**Connect with Alumni Direct:- 🌐 [alumnidirect.com](http://alumnidirect.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)- 📱 Instagram: [@alumnidirect](https://instagram.com/alumnidirect?utm_source=chatgpt.com)- 🕊 X (formerly Twitter): [@alumnidirect](https://twitter.com/alumnidirect?utm_source=chatgpt.com)- 💼 LinkedIn: [Alumni Direct](https://linkedin.com/company/alumnidirect?utm_source=chatgpt.com)- 👍 Facebook: [Alumni Direct](https://facebook.com/alumnidirect?utm_source=chatgpt.com)---Discover how focus, preparation, and community can help athletes build purpose-driven success — on and off the field.