For many student-athletes, the transition from college athletics to life after sports can feel both exciting and uncertain. For Mackenzie Brewster, a former CCS volleyball player who graduated from Maryville College in 2025 with a degree in Health and Wellness Promotion, that transition has been an opportunity for growth, reflection, and pursuing a new passion in healthcare.
During her time as a student-athlete, Brewster learned lessons that continue to shape her journey today. Balancing practices, competitions, travel, and academic responsibilities required a level of discipline and organization that has proven invaluable beyond the court.
“Being a student-athlete prepared me for life after college by teaching me discipline, time management, and how to stay committed to long-term goals,” Brewster said. “Balancing practices, games, travel, and academics required a level of organization and accountability that has carried over into graduate school for me.”
She credits athletics not only for developing strong habits but also for building the mental toughness needed to navigate challenges. The competitive environment of collegiate sports taught her how to perform under pressure, work collaboratively with teammates, and remain resilient when faced with setbacks.
“Athletics also taught me how to perform under pressure, work as part of a team, and stay resilient when things don’t go as planned,” she said. “Those experiences have helped me handle the challenges of a rigorous program and reminded me that hard work and consistency pays off.”
Now pursuing her path toward a career in nursing, Brewster’s perspective on success has evolved. While competition once defined many of her goals, she now measures success in more personal and meaningful ways.
“When I was competing, I usually thought of success as winning games, improving ranking, and earning awards throughout my college athletic career,” Brewster explained. “Now that I’m no longer competing, I see success more in terms of growing through graduate school, making a positive impact on others, and building meaningful relationships.”
Instead of focusing primarily on personal achievements and results, Brewster values the ability to positively influence others and work toward long-term career goals in healthcare.
As she reflects on her time as a student-athlete, Brewster encourages current athletes to appreciate every moment of their experience while also embracing the opportunities that come after it.
“Enjoy every moment you have now with your teammates, coaches, and athletic program as a whole,” she said. “I know everyone says it, but it truly does go by so fast, and I’m already looking back on it and missing everything about it.”
While the transition away from athletics can feel intimidating, Brewster believes the skills developed through sports provide a strong foundation for the future.
“Life outside of sports can feel intimidating, at least it was for me, but it’s also an opportunity to grow and discover new passions outside of the sport we’ve known for years,” she said. “The discipline, work ethic, and resilience you’ve built through athletics will carry over into whatever path you choose next.”
Her final message to current student-athletes is simple: trust the process and embrace change.
“Don’t be afraid of the transition—embrace it the same way you approached your sport: with confidence, commitment, and vulnerability.”
Through dedication, resilience, and a passion for helping others, Brewster continues to demonstrate that the lessons learned through athletics extend far beyond the court.