‘Hi , My name is Kalis Loyd and I am a Former professional basketball player from Malmo, Sweden.’
What motivated you to leave Sweden and pursue basketball at Lamar University in Texas? Was it always part of your plan to play college basketball in the U.S., or did the opportunity come unexpectedly?
I knew from an early age that I wanted to go to college, following in my dad’s and brother’s footsteps, and also to get a degree while playing basketball. I also knew that I needed to leave Sweden to find better competition and a place where my mindset was appreciated rather than frowned upon. However, I was unexpectedly recruited very early on by a scout for TCU, who later got the head coaching job at Lamar and convinced me to sign there.
As a foreign student-athlete, what were the biggest cultural or academic adjustments you faced when transitioning to life in the U.S.?
Although I'm "half" American, I didn’t expect the cultural and academic shock to be as intense as it was. School in Sweden was much harder, and encountering multiple-choice tests in the states was a real shock. Culturally, I was surprised by how people referred to races as black or white. In Sweden, everyone was just people to me. Being black and raised in a predominantly white country by a Caucasian mother, it was very difficult to understand or fit in. I felt torn. Now that I know more about African American history, I have a better understanding of Black American culture and why things are the way they are unfortunately.
How did Lamar’s basketball program and culture shape your development as both a player and a leader?
Being part of Lamar's basketball program really helped me grow, both on and off the court. Being away from home, you naturally end up facing a lot of challenges, and that pushes you to mature pretty quickly. On the court, I was given a lot of responsibility early on, which really pushed me into a leadership role. There's something about having to figure things out on your own in a supportive environment—it forces you to step up. Lamar provided the perfect balance for me to develop my skills and leadership abilities in a way that felt natural and empowering.
For other international athletes considering playing college sports in the U.S., what advice would you give about adapting to a new culture and environment?
For international athletes considering playing college sports in the U.S., my biggest piece of advice would be to give yourself some grace. It's completely normal not to have everything figured out during your first semester. Understand that each country has its own way of doing things, and just because it's different doesn't mean it's wrong. Embrace the new ways and find your own path in them. Also, remember that homesickness is temporary. It can be tough at first, but you will adjust over time. Remind yourself that you can always return home if you choose to. The key is to stay open to new experiences and learn as much as you can from them.
From Lamar to Europe
After graduating, you returned to Europe to play professionally. What was it like transitioning from American college basketball back to the European leagues?
Moving from American college basketball to playing professionally in Europe was a big adjustment. My first job out of college was in Romania, where things were a lot different from what I was used to. We didn't have the same level of support / facilities—there was no licensed trainer or dedicated strength and conditioning coach or room. The hotels and travel conditions were also a major step down from what I experienced in college, so I had to get used to not having those comforts anymore.
But when it came to the actual game, playing in Europe felt like a better fit for me. I had a fantastic coach my first year who really helped me understand what it meant to be a professional. He taught me about dealing with pressure and responsibility on the court. That first year was really important for me—it helped me grow a lot as a player and get used to the new environment.
Were there any noticeable differences in playing style, training methods, or team dynamics between the U.S. and Europe?
One of the biggest differences I noticed between playing in the U.S. and Europe was the intense pressure placed on foreign players. In Europe, there's a lot of emphasis on immediate performance. Contracts can be terminated quickly, making it a really unstable lifestyle at times. As a professional athlete abroad, you're expected to deliver results—personal issues or what’s happening back home often don’t factor into the equation.
Was there ever a moment in your professional career when you started thinking seriously about life after basketball? What prompted that shift?
During my last years in Toulouse, I knew I was getting close to being mentally ready to leave the game. Physically, I was in great shape, but I was growing tired of the traveling, the temporary lifestyle, and missing my family. I found the love of my life in my second-to-last year playing, and I think that too helped confirm my readiness to leave the game. It was important to me to leave the game on my terms, not because I was forced out due to injury, old age, or something like COVID. I wanted to own it, and leaving after one of the best seasons I've ever had felt like a power move. I left while still at the top of my game, ensuring people would remember me at that level. I’m sure I still had more in my tank physically, but there's a long life after sports, and I’m thankful today not to have to wake up with aches and pains from the stress of the life I lived.
LIFE AFTER RETIREMENT
You’ve been very open about how hard the transition after basketball was for you. What was the most challenging part—was it the identity shift, lack of routine, or something else?
There were many parts that made my transition especially challenging, but I wouldn’t change anything about it because I’ve learned so much about myself. For me, the most challenging part was not moving back to my hometown or our new home in Austin but going to Japan with my fiancé where he had signed for the season. Being so far away from family and friends and immersed in a culture that's completely different from anything I'm used to made everything—my life, my circumstances, my community, and routines—feel brand new. I enjoyed the travel and cultural aspects, but transitioning from athlete to life after sports was really tough. Looking back, not having a community to lean on was probably what I missed most from my playing days.
How did you navigate those early struggles after retiring, and what helped you begin to rediscover yourself outside of basketball?
It helped that I gave myself permission to rest those first few months, to not have any expectations about having everything figured out. But knowing I couldn’t stay in that space too long and realizing I have so much more to give in this new life pushed me to start rediscovering myself outside of basketball. I started studying again to figure out if certain spaces were for me or not. The only way to find out is to try, and if you realize something isn’t for you, that’s great—move on. We've missed out on a lot of discovery because we’ve poured so much into our basketball skills, so it's important to try new things that you're not accustomed to.
You recently launched a coaching business focused on empowering athletes. What inspired you to step into performance and wellness coaching?
I always knew I wanted to be in this space to help athletes out in the performance wellness space. Life isn't as glorious as one might think from the outside, and navigating all those challenges that happen each season is a skill in itself. Having people in your corner, people to lean on and call your team, is important because we basically only have ourselves when we’re out there in a foreign country playing basketball. Having someone who played the game for over 10 years at both the club and national team levels—I’ve seen a lot, I’ve been through a lot, and I credit my strong mind for leading me through all those years and coming out on top. I still have love for the game, I’m a lot smarter because of those years, and I can spot red flags before they even happen.
Becoming a licensed performance and wellness coach is a big shift. What drew you to this field, and how does it tie into your experiences as an athlete?
I credit my strong mind for my successful career, and I've seen how there’s been a huge mental shift since I left the game. I see how there are still a lot of hard workers out there, but there's also a lot of people who come into this game with a sense of entitlement, and it messes up so many players' careers because the right mindset isn't there. For most rookies and second-year players, it’s a grind and you've got to WORK. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of BS we women still have to put up with that men don’t, but we can’t let the entitlement from our college days carry over into pro life. It’s a different life, it’s a different grit, and nobody cares about you unless you do what’s expected of you. I just really want to be there and help athletes out because it's a cold world. Athletes also spend tons of money on the physical aspect of the game but barely anything on keeping their mind straight, and I think that's hurting a lot of athletes. The physical part is, in essence, the easy part; the mental part is so much more challenging.
I have two focuses in my coaching business.
The first is mental performance coaching for active athletes. In this role, I help athletes become mentally resilient by addressing any issues they’re currently facing, whether it’s overcoming a shooting slump, dealing with homesickness, or navigating other challenges in their professional lives. I provide support and guidance to ensure they can perform at their best mentally throughout their season.
I focus on goal setting, performance improvement, and providing motivational support. While I am not trained to handle severe mental health disorders, I work one-on-one with athletes to develop better coping mechanisms, resilience, and mindset strategies. In the transition coaching part of my business, I directly address the struggles I experienced when I retired from professional basketball. We tackle issues like redefining their identity, discovering new passions, and building a fulfilling life outside the competitive arena. My goal is to help athletes navigate this significant life transition smoothly, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.
What advice would you give to athletes who are preparing to transition out of sports but feel lost about what comes next?
I'd definitely recommend starting to explore who you are before you even retire. Begin looking into things you might be interested in after sports. It doesn’t mean you’ll end up following those exact paths, but having a list of ideas makes it easier to figure out what doesn’t work for you, rather than starting from scratch. It’s also crucial to understand your finances—know how many months you can manage without a job. This is a major stressor for many athletes as they transition out of sports and it can cause a lot of panic. If you have the opportunity, use the summers before you retire to explore and network. This could involve reconnecting with college alumni or engaging with a community you’re interested in. I also recommend starting to journal about the life you want after sports. Ask yourself who you want to be and use that as a reverse roadmap to help you get there. These steps can provide a smoother transition and help alleviate some of the uncertainty about what comes next.
What role has having a platform and community like ‘The Athlete’s Advocate’ played in helping you share your story as well as support your transition journey?
Having a platform and community like The Athlete’s Advocate has been huge for me. It's not just about sharing my story; it’s also about connecting with others who really get the highs and lows of being an athlete. This community has supported me by providing a space where I can be open about my experiences and challenges. Beyond just the moral support, they offer practical help too, like job postings that are really useful for athletes looking to transition. It's also a great place to engage and ask questions whenever you need guidance. Everyone is super responsive and eager to help, which makes a big difference. It’s empowering to know you're not alone in your journey, and having this kind of support can really help you navigate the transition from sports to whatever comes next. It’s been a game-changer in keeping me motivated and focused on moving forward.