Andrew Riggs / Collegian File Photo
Challenges await those athletes who don’t turn pro.
For a select few Fresno State athletes, the life-long dream of making it to the professional stage becomes a remarkable reality when they approach the end of their college careers. However, that is not the case for the overwhelming majority of student athletes, as they have to face new challenges, changes and the feeling of “what comes next?”
With the latest excitement over six Bulldogs who recently signed with NFL teams, fans may be wondering who will be the next athlete to go on and make Fresno proud. But the reality is, only about 1 percent of college athletes will actually make it to the next level.
For the 99 percent of athletes who don’t go pro, their lives suddenly undergo drastic changes, and getting used to life without their sport requires adjustments.
When former Fresno State catcher and member of the 2008 national championship baseball team Danny Grubb realized it was time for the real world, he viewed the situation as an opportunity to open a new door and begin the next chapter in his life.
“I am thoroughly enjoying my life,” Grubb said. “I stay busy, I love my new job and it’s exciting to be on your own and not have to live off your parents.”
Though an Orange County native, Grubb is currently living in Fresno and working for an agricultural marketing company. While he stays busy in town, he also makes a trip down south every other weekend to work for his father, and is in the process of receiving his real estate license.
As for staying close to the sport, Grubb sometimes gives lessons to local kids, and still occasionally tells his story when he hears, “Wow you played on the World Series team?” But moving forward and building his life without playing baseball is something he’s taking pleasure in.
“I am really enjoying the change of scenery,” Grubb said. “The only thing I have ever known is baseball. So, it’s cool to be doing something else for a change.”
While Grubb may have been thrown into life without baseball right after the season ended, former softball standout Haley Perkins is taking her steps into the real world at a more gradual pace.
“I’m kind of easing myself out of it,” Perkins said. “I’m coaching now, so I didn’t just come to an abrupt end. Plus, I’m going back to school so I’m still not in the real world yet.”
As for her love of the game, Perkins definitely misses playing more than she could have imagined.
“I never thought I would miss it, but I totally do,” Perkins said. “I miss the competition, my teammates and even the pressured situations. It’s hard to watch and not be able to go out there and do it yourself.”
Perkins is currently working in Fresno at a children’s gym and coaching at her alma mater, Clovis West High School. She plans on going back to school to receive her master’s in Kinesiology with an option in sports psychology, and admits she’s still a fan and continues to attend the occasional few Fresno State softball games.
While some athletes wait until their career is over to make future plans, others like offensive lineman Joe Bernardi plan ahead.
“After next season in December, I will have to be in the real world, and I’ll be done playing football for the rest of my life,” Bernardi said. “I really want to try and get into coaching, whether it’s as a graduate assistant at Fresno State or at another university. I’d also love to try and get into pro scouting with an NFL team.”
As the senior prepares to put on his cleats and pads for one last season at Fresno State, Bernardi considers his final year as a Bulldog, as well as his future life after football bittersweet.
“Of course I’ll miss it,” Bernardi said. “But I know my body won’t.”
Bernardi endured four grueling knee surgeries during his career at Fresno State, but still managed to remain a four-year starter and was even named to the Rimington Award Watch List, given to the top center in the country.
“I think life after football will be good for me, because I’m so used to such a regimented lifestyle,” Bernardi said. “I’m used to having to be at a certain place at a certain time. My day is basically set for me. Getting used to making my own plans will definitely be a change.”