As a professional athlete, just turning 30, Taylor Johnson had to face facts on when to know it’s over. There is an emotional and mental decision that one confronts, especially when you feel you could be in your prime as an athlete, but then realize it’s really over for good. It’s not an easy transition and adjustment to life after professional athletics, especially when fairly young, is a road many don’t anticipate or look forward to facing.

But when knees totally go out, that physical decision is made for you. This interview captures Taylor’s feelings on when to know it’s over when her decision was fairly fresh and recent. In fact, she made the decision twice. She played basketball for four years at Central Michigan University, then for team U.S.A in Taiwan. After multiple surgeries on her left knee, she knew basketball was over. Then, was drafted to play slow-pitch softball at the highest level, signed with Louisville Slugger as factory hitter as well as Easton and Wilson. But alas, when her right knee failed her, she knew it was totally over.

However, Taylor found new purpose in pursuing education, specifically special ed, and we follow her journey in this interview. She will also be a new bride in 2023 as she’ll be marrying David Johnson, also a professional softball player and MVP hitter, who happens to be Deborah’s son. You can also access this podcast and the video through the article: Life Lessons from a Retiring Athlete