In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs, Rob Finkelstein sits down with Ryan Schachtner—a former college baseball player who transformed a career-ending injury and a tough academic journey into a mission-driven life of impact. Today, Ryan is the Co-Founder of Success Beyond Game Day, where he helps athletes and coaches at all levels navigate the transition out of sports and into thriving careers.
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Rob and Ryan explore what it really takes to build a meaningful life after sports. From leveraging the inner drive developed through athletics to overcoming self-doubt and a lack of direction, Ryan shares real, actionable insights for current and former athletes looking to take control of their future.
The conversation hits on the power of alumni engagement, the importance of early preparation, and how NIL is creating new opportunities to build skills *before* athletes hang up the jersey. Ryan also discusses why career development and financial literacy should be embedded into the athletic experience—and how he’s helping schools make that a reality.
Whether you're still competing or trying to figure out your next chapter, Ryan’s journey is a powerful reminder that your best days don’t have to be behind you.
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🔑 Key Takeaways:
- There Is Life After Sports: You just need the right mindset and tools.
- Your Story Isn't Over: Setbacks like injuries or poor academics don’t define you.
- Leverage Your Athlete Mindset: Discipline, grit, and confidence open doors.
- NIL = Real-Life Training: Use it as a stepping stone to learn business skills.
- Start While You're Still Playing: Don’t wait until the game is over to plan your future.
- Financial Literacy is a Must: Money management is just as critical as physical training.
- Alumni Can Be Your Network Advantage: Don’t overlook those who’ve walked your path.
- Work Ethic Beats Resume: In the real world, hustle matters more than GPA.
- Build Relationships Beyond Your Sport: Athletes supporting athletes is powerful.
- There Are Resources Out There: Like Success Beyond Game Day—built just for athletes.
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About Ryan Schachtner:
**Ryan Schachtner** is a former college baseball player whose career was cut short by a shoulder injury. After overcoming a rocky academic past, he went on to build a successful financial planning firm focused on helping athletes rebuild their finances. He’s a best-selling author in the finance space and the Co-Founder of **Success Beyond Game Day**, a groundbreaking platform that helps athletes and coaches with talent development, career planning, and real-life readiness. Ryan’s mission is simple: equip athletes with everything they need to succeed beyond the scoreboard.
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Connect with Ryan Schachtner:
📸 Instagram: [@ryansbgd](https://www.instagram.com/ryansbgd)
🐦 X/Twitter: @ryansbgd
💼 LinkedIn: [Ryan Schachtner](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanschachtner)
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🔗 Connect with Alumni Direct:
At Alumni Direct, we believe athletes deserve a platform that empowers their future beyond sports. Whether it’s networking, mentorship, or tools to grow your brand or business—we’re here to support the journey.
📸 Instagram: [@AlumniDirect](https://www.instagram.com/alumnidirect)
💼 LinkedIn: [Alumni Direct](https://www.linkedin.com/company/alumnidirect)
📘 Facebook: [Alumni Direct](https://www.facebook.com/alumnidirect)
You’ve got the mindset. Now let’s build the life to match.
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