Elite Transitions; Creating a Vision for Life Beyond Sport with Trevor Booker & Alex Biega

The Players Impact Foundation recently hosted a powerful conversation with Trevor Booker, former 8-year NBA player, entrepreneur, businessman, and investor. Alongside, Alex Biega, Harvard hockey alum, NHL veteran, and current private equity professional. Together, they shared their journeys from the world of elite sports to business and investing, offering practical lessons on how athletes can prepare for life after sport.

Q&A Highlights

Why prepare early?

Both Alex and Trevor stressed the importance of planning while still playing. Alex, who entered the NHL at 26, knew he needed to “earn a seat at the table” in business without a traditional finance background. Trevor, sidelined by early NBA injuries, realized quickly that “the ball will stop bouncing one day.” Both leaned heavily on networking and relationships to open doors before retirement.

Transferable skills from sport

Trevor highlighted leadership, communication, discipline, and the ability to stay focused under pressure, skills he says translate directly into business success. Alex emphasized tenacity, work ethic, and a willingness to be coached.

Discovering passions beyond sport

For Alex, it was a process of elimination, asking himself what lifestyle and impact he wanted to make long-term. Trevor pointed to self-awareness: “Passion comes when you realize what you actually like, you have to be in charge of figuring out what you like doing.”

Choosing partners

Trevor leaned on his trusted best friend Jonah, warning athletes to “beware of chameleons.” Alex chose to join investment firm, Wincove, because of its entrepreneurial culture, aligning with his instincts and values.

Biggest challenges

Trevor missed the adrenaline and structural routines of professional basketball, while Alex found the business world’s slower pace difficult compared to the immediate feedback of sport.

Finding new communities

Trevor replaced competition with networking and new hobbies, while Alex found fulfillment in coaching and giving back to young athletes.

Advice for athletes

• Alex: Network relentlessly, pursue internships (even unpaid), and explore different industries to find your fit.
• Trevor: Keep learning about both your industry and yourself. “Being hands-on in your own development is just as important as playing the game.”

Key Takeaways

• Start early: Use your playing years to build skills and relationships.
• Transfer your strengths: Work ethic, leadership, and discipline fuel success off the field.
• Choose wisely: Trust and alignment matter in business partners.
• Stay self-aware: Know who you are before chasing opportunities.
• Keep learning: Growth comes from experience, curiosity, and showing up.

The Players Impact and The Players Impact Foundation is here to empower athletes through business, professional and financial education, supporting their growth and well-being both during and after their athletic careers. We provide a platform that enables athletes to leverage their influence and resources to address meaningful charitable causes, while also learning how to maximize the impact of their personal and financial capital for good.

Watch the Full Webinar Here