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Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni JourneyAuthor: Rob Finkelstein Founder of Alumni Direct
'Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey' is a podcast where we speak with former college and professional athletes from all over the world as they share the joys, successes, failures and lessons on their entrepreneurial journey. Key topics include transitioning out of sports and teaching athletes that there is life after sports. Hosted by Rob Finkelstein of Alumni Direct, one of the top networks for alumni worldwide. Language: en-us Genres: Business, Entrepreneurship Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Former College and Pro Basketball Player to Program Director of LAND (Life After Notre Dame)
Episode 191
Tuesday, 24 March, 2026
In this episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with former Harvard basketball captain and retired overseas professional player Brandyn Curry. Brandyn shares how sports shaped his identity from an early age, what it was like transitioning from college basketball to playing professionally in Europe, and the difficult reality of having his career cut short by injury. He also opens up about the emotional and practical challenges athletes face after sport, and how his work with LAND is helping former Notre Dame athletes navigate mental health, career, and physical health transitions.Key Topics DiscussedGrowing up in a sports-centered family in New JerseyChoosing to specialize in basketball after moving to North CarolinaPlaying at Harvard and the value of relationships, mentorship, and networkingWhy athletes should build connections while they are still actively competingThe importance of cross-sport and campus-wide networkingAdjusting to professional basketball overseas, including cultural and lifestyle changesThe difficult transition out of sports after a career-ending injuryIdentity loss, pride, and the importance of asking for help during transitionThe mission of LAND and how it supports former athletes through life after sportsWhy more schools need better support systems for athletes beyond graduationKey TakeawaysAthletes should take full advantage of the relationships, resources, and opportunities available while they are still playing.Networking is a skill that gets stronger with practice and can open unexpected doors later in life.The transition out of sports can be emotionally, physically, and professionally challenging, even for high-achieving athletes.Losing the role of “athlete” can create an identity shift, which makes community and support especially important.Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness, especially during major life transitions.Organizations like LAND are making a real difference by helping former athletes with career support, mental health resources, and physical recovery.Guest BioBrandyn Curry is a former Harvard men’s basketball captain and 2014 graduate. After college, he played six seasons of professional basketball overseas in Holland, France, Germany, and Slovenia. He now serves as Program Director for the Shield Foundation, where he helps former athletes navigate their transition out of sports through LAND, a program supporting life after athletics.Guest Social Media LinksInstagram: @brandyncurryLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandyn-curry-a807b7142/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandyn.curry👉 Follow Athletes to Entrepreneurs: The Alumni Journey👉 Share this episode with a teammate👉 Start building your second act before the final whistle blows👉 Join the private platform built exclusively for athletes, founders, and leaders:https://www.alumnidirect.com🎧 Listen & Connect
