In short:
Professional hockey player Marc Recasens started career guidance through the collaboration between HC Rotterdam and TopsportNetwerk. What began as a search for “just a job” quickly evolved into something deeper: discovering his strengths, understanding what truly fits him, and learning how to combine elite sport with a sustainable professional future. The most valuable insight? Don’t accept “no” as a final answer. Through personal guidance, interview preparation and access to a strong professional network, Marc gained clarity and confidence about life beyond hockey — while still competing at the highest level.
Thinking about the future while still competing
For many professional athletes, the focus is clear: train, compete, recover, repeat. The future outside sport often feels distant. Yet at some point, the question inevitably arises: what comes next? For Marc Recasens, that moment came through an opportunity within his club.
“I decided to start career guidance with TopsportNetwerk thanks to the collaboration between HC Rotterdam and TopsportNetwerk. People within the club encouraged me to join the program, and it immediately felt like a great opportunity to start thinking seriously about my professional future alongside my sports career.”
What made the decision easy was not just the opportunity itself, but who was behind it.
“As a professional athlete, having guidance from people who truly understand this dual path made the decision very easy.”
From 'just finding a job' to finding the right fit
At first, Marc’s goal was straightforward. “Initially, my main goal was simply to find a job.”
But the trajectory quickly shifted his perspective. “I realized it went much further than that. It helped me discover what I truly enjoy doing, where my strengths lie, and what kind of role really fits me.”
More importantly, he understood that alignment matters more than speed. “The goal isn’t just to find any job, but to find one that adapts to my life as an elite athlete, allowing me to combine both careers in a sustainable way.”
A professional approach that feels personal
One of the biggest surprises for Marc was the balance between structure and personal attention. “What surprised me most was the high level of professionals involved, and at the same time how approachable everything feels.”
Rather than feeling like just another participant, he experienced genuine involvement. “There is real attention and interest in your situation, and a strong willingness to help you move forward in a practical way.”
That combination created trust — and momentum.
Turning rejection into progress
Career steps do not always lead to immediate results. Applications can be rejected. Conversations may not convert.
One insight changed Marc’s perspective. “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is not to accept ‘no’ as a final answer. Every setback is an opportunity to learn.”
Instead of seeing obstacles as failures, he now sees them as part of the process. “This mindset has helped me stay motivated and proactive.”
When it became tangible
There was a clear moment when the guidance felt concrete. “During interview preparation, I really felt the impact.”
The support helped him translate his sports experience into professional language. “I learned how to structure my story, communicate my strengths clearly and speak with more confidence.”
That was when he realized the trajectory was not theoretical, it was practical and measurable.
What makes TopsportNetwerk different
According to Marc, the difference lies in understanding the athlete’s reality. “TopsportNetwerk truly understands what it means to be a professional athlete. It is built for athletes.”
Training schedules, pressure, performance cycles, they are not obstacles that need explanation. “The athlete is always at the center, and everything is adapted to your individual situation.”
That alignment makes it possible to grow professionally without compromising performance on the field. For Marc, the impact can be summarized in one sentence: “TopsportNetwerk has helped me grow professionally and has given me the confidence, tools and guidance to build a career alongside my sports life.”
A message to other athletes
If he could give one piece of advice, it would be simple. “I would definitely encourage other athletes to go for it. You’ll find guidance, support and that final push that is often needed to take the next step.”
And perhaps most importantly:
“You’re not alone in the process and that makes a huge difference.”
About the author
Emma Cramer is Head of Marketing & Partnerships at TopsportNetwerk. She comes up with creative campaigns during a competitive game of padel, prefers writing blogs with a cappuccino in hand, and ensures that the story of TopsportNetwerk not only makes sense, but truly sticks.
After eight years of marketing experience in the music industry at Spinnin’ Records, and earlier adventures as a community manager for brands such as Zwitsal and Coca-Cola, she now channels her love for marketing into helping elite athletes build their future — on and off the field. Always with a generous dose of creativity and a touch of boldness.
On LinkedIn, she regularly shares updates about the realities of building a start-up, including the obstacles and the creative solutions along the way. Follow her here!