Why Companies Should Bet on Athletes: Lessons from Nike's WIN Program

After 43 years at Nike, Clare Hamill knows what makes exceptional talent. Now president of Portland's newest WNBA team, the Fire, she's spent the last six years proving something many companies overlook: professional athletes aren't just good hires—they're transformational ones.

The Skills That Translate

When Nike launched the Women in Nike (WIN) program six years ago, they weren't just filling positions. They were tapping into a talent pool with capabilities most companies desperately need but struggle to develop:

• Leadership & Teamwork - Athletes know how to step up when needed and understand that some days, their role is defense, not scoring. They've mastered the art of putting team success above individual glory.

• Resilience - "You know how to win, you know how to lose," Clare explains. In corporate life, where setbacks are inevitable, this mindset is invaluable.

• Hard Work & Humility - Athletes arrive ready to learn, despite having performed at the highest levels of their sport. They're not afraid to start at the bottom of a new field.

• Goal-Oriented Mindset - Just like coaches set championship goals, athletes know how to work backward from ambitious targets and stay focused on execution.

• Confidence Through Experience - Years of international play, multiple teams, and high-pressure situations build a foundation that translates directly to corporate challenges.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Nike's WIN program achieved an 80%+ retention rate over 3-5 years—exceptional by any standard. But the impact goes beyond retention. Clare points to Nike's recent groundbreaking work in women's sports marketing: "Some of the work that's been done over the last year in women's sports 100% would not have happened if we hadn't had these women at the table."

The team behind A'ja Wilson's signature shoe? It included 8-10 retired WNBA players across product development, marketing, and creative roles. One team member was literally a sneaker head retiring from the Washington Mystics—passion and expertise perfectly aligned.

Clare's Playbook for Companies Ready to Hire Athletes

1. Secure Executive Sponsorship Any new initiative needs champions at the top. Without executive buy-in, your program won't survive the inevitable challenges of disrupting traditional hiring.

2. Start Small, Start Strategic Don't try to transform your entire company overnight. Identify 3 jobs where athletic capabilities—teamwork, resilience, competitive drive—would make an immediate impact.

3. Put Them in the Flow "Don't put people in the corner," Clare warns. Place athletes in learning roles at the center of your business where they can quickly understand how things work and contribute meaningfully.

4. Build a Support System Create a leadership development program for their first year. Athletes have the capabilities—they just need to learn your corporate language and culture.

5. Think Long-Term This is a "hockey stick journey." Expect an onboarding period, then watch them accelerate. Plan for retention and advancement, not just filling immediate openings.

The Transition Challenge

Many athletes hear the same frustrating feedback: "That's cool that you played professionally for 10 years, but you don't have experience."

Clare's response? "You have a ton of experience. You just built a professional career. You have this athlete mindset. It is 100% experience that's translatable."

The problem isn't the athletes—it's that companies don't recognize the value sitting in front of them.

A Message for Athletes in Transition

While building your athletic career, build your personal brand. Understand what you care about beyond your sport. If you love fashion, start styling. If you're passionate about business, do an internship. Find ways to grow those interests even while competing.

As Clare puts it: "Pick a couple things you love and care about, and see when you can put some energy into that. That will pay off."

The Bottom Line

For companies wondering whether to invest in athlete hiring programs, Clare's advice is direct: "If you aren't involved with women's sports and there's an alignment with your brand and values, get involved. And if you haven't thought about athletes as talent, you should."

The capabilities are proven. The results are measurable. The opportunity is now.

At GloBall Life, we're bridging that gap — empowering athletes with the tools and transition support they need, and helping companies gain the visibility, insights, and confidence to hire athlete talent that transforms teams and cultures.