Why We Do What We Do

High performance is demanding. It asks for discipline, resilience, and full commitment. But too often, that commitment comes at the cost of identity, wellbeing, and long-term confidence.

My work extends beyond traditional sport — I also support dancers and other elite performers who navigate high-pressure environments. Whether you're on the pitch, stage, or in the studio, my approach is grounded in understanding the whole person behind the performance, helping you build sustainable success and personal wellbeing

At Thrive After Sport, we believe there’s a better way.
People can perform and grow.
They can be focused and self-aware.
They can be successful and prepared for what comes next.

Whether you’re early in your career, at the top of your game, or navigating life beyond sport, we help you build the personal leadership, tools, and inner trust to thrive in all areas of your life — not just in your results.

This work isn’t just for retirement. It’s for now.

Why It Matters

Athletes are whole people — not just performers.
But in many systems, support is focused solely on performance outcomes. We’re here to change that story.

When athletes are given the space to explore who they are, take ownership of their mindset and choices, and connect with what truly matters, they don’t just survive — they thrive. In and out of competition. In and out of identity shifts. Through transition. Into leadership. Into life.

We’re here to walk alongside athletes, helping them build confidence, clarity, and sustainable success — from the inside out.

Our Coaching Framework: The CORE Process

At the heart of Thrive After Sport is the CORE Process — a holistic framework for personal development and leadership.

🌀 Connect – Build self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Reconnect with your identity, values, and purpose.
🌀 Own – Take responsibility for your story. Embrace your strengths, challenges, and potential.
🌀 Respond – Step into self-leadership. Strengthen communication, planning, mindset, and resilience.
🌀 Emerge – Move forward with clarity and confidence. Redefine success and lead with intention beyond sport.

This process meets you where you’re at — and evolves with you as your journey continues.

Who Am I

 

Hi, I’m Ellie Bell — founder of Thrive After Sport and an accredited certified life coach with a long-standing connection to sport.

I started my career in sports administration in the UK, working in professional cricket for over 12 years. I’ve since supported Olympic-level athletes and rising stars as a Performance Life Coach with High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ).

But my perspective is also personal. I’m the partner of a former professional cricketer, and I’ve witnessed the highs, the identity shifts, the transitions, and the toll. I’ve seen what happens when athletes are supported holistically — and what happens when they’re not.

That lived experience, alongside my coaching training, drives me to create something different — a space where athletes feel seen, heard, and supported as whole people, not just competitors.

How I Work

Coaching is grounded in relationship, trust, and accountability.
Most sessions are delivered online, with practical integration between meetings through journaling, reflection, or short exercises. Workshops can be delivered in-person or virtually, and organisational programs are tailored to fit the needs of your team or environment.

No two journeys are the same — and we’ll shape the work to fit yours.

Let’s Change the Narrative

Sport doesn’t last forever — but your life, leadership, and legacy do.

Thrive After Sport exists to help you build the inner foundations to thrive now, and into whatever’s next. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, a parent, or an organisation — we’re here to support the human behind the performance.