EPISODE · Jan 20, 2026 · 32 MIN
Caitlin Bassett - The "Shame" of Retirement & Losing Identity
from This Sporting Planet · host LCA Ltd
Kate Allman is joined by Australian Netball legend Caitlin Bassett for a candid discussion about the mental toll of leaving elite sport. Unlike the fairytale endings we often see, Caitlin describes her retirement as being "made redundant." She opens up about the shame of not being offered a contract, the difficulty of finding an identity outside of netball, and the "toxic" habits she had to unlearn to function in the real world. Caitlin also sets the record straight on her time at the Giants, reveals how animal therapy aided her recovery, and discusses her new role in player welfare at the Western Force. 00:00 - Introduction 02:49 - Caitlin on her "Shocking" Retirement 05:26 - Breaking Toxic Athlete Habits 07:30 - The Giants Era: Being Silenced by the Club 10:17 - Playing in New Zealand & Injury Hell 11:15 - Life After Sport: Cricket & Journalism 16:25 - The Loss of Identity & Mental Struggles 20:07 - How Dogs Saved Her Mental Health 23:59 - Do Sports Have a Duty of Care? 27:57 - Advice for Alyssa Healy & The Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What this episode covers
Kate Allman is joined by Australian Netball legend Caitlin Bassett for a candid discussion about the mental toll of leaving elite sport. Unlike the fairytale endings we often see, Caitlin describes her retirement as being "made redundant." She opens up about the shame of not being offered a contract, the difficulty of finding an identity outside of netball, and the "toxic" habits she had to unlearn to function in the real world. Caitlin also sets the record straight on her time at the Giants, reveals how animal therapy aided her recovery, and discusses her new role in player welfare at the Western Force. 00:00 - Introduction 02:49 - Caitlin on her "Shocking" Retirement 05:26 - Breaking Toxic Athlete Habits 07:30 - The Giants Era: Being Silenced by the Club 10:17 - Playing in New Zealand & Injury Hell 11:15 - Life After Sport: Cricket & Journalism 16:25 - The Loss of Identity & Mental Struggles 20:07 - How Dogs Saved Her Mental Health 23:59 - Do Sports Have a Duty of Care? 27:57 - Advice for Alyssa Healy & The Future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Caitlin Bassett - The "Shame" of Retirement & Losing Identity
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