From the locker room to the boardroom, former athletes are proving to be some of the most valuable hires in today’s business world.

Major firms like Goldman Sachs have recognized what coaches have always known, that discipline, teamwork, and resilience translate far beyond the field. The same drive that pushes athletes through long practices and high-pressure games helps them thrive in competitive corporate environments where composure and quick decision-making matter.

Take Madison Crutchfield, a former Duke University lacrosse player who now serves as a Vice President at Goldman Sachs. Crutchfield told Business Insider that one lesson from her college coach continues to guide her: “Play fast, not hurried.” She says that mindset applies just as much to executing trades on a busy trading floor as it did to making split-second plays on the field.

Companies across industries are realizing that athletes bring a rare mix of leadership, focus, and adaptability, traits that can’t always be taught in a classroom. Their ability to perform under pressure and embrace feedback makes them natural fits for fast-paced, team-driven environments.

Athletes aren’t just built for sports. They’re built for business.

Source: Business Insider