A sports resume is an essential tool for athletes looking to secure scholarships, attract recruiters, or gain opportunities at the next level.

Whether you're applying to college programs, professional teams, or sports organizations, having a well-written resume helps highlight your skills, achievements, and experience.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key elements of an effective athlete resume and provide tips to make yours stand out.

Sports resume examples

Professional sports athlete resume sample

Professional sports athlete resume resume template

Soccer Player Resume
Use template Download PDF

Resume for professional sports athlete resume | Plain text

Adam Harper
Boston, MA | adam.harper@email.com | (555) 123-4567

Summary

Dedicated professional soccer player with competitive experience in national and international leagues. Proven track record of leading teams to championships and recognized for outstanding performance and leadership on and off the field.

Skills

  • Offensive and defensive tactics
  • Speed and agility
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Injury prevention and recovery
  • Game strategy analysis
  • Communication skills

Experience

Forward | New England Revolution | Foxborough, MA

January 2021 – Present

  • Scored 45 goals in 75 matches, contributing to three Eastern Conference championships.
  • Voted team captain for two consecutive seasons, fostering a culture of discipline and collaboration.
  • Coordinate community outreach programs, increasing team visibility and local support.
  • Train and mentor younger players to develop technical and strategic skills.

Forward | Boston Breakers | Boston, MA

August 2018 – December 2020

  • Led the team to a national championship in 2016 with a season-high of 20 goals.
  • Received Player of the Year award in 2016 for outstanding performance and sportsmanship.
  • Participated in media and promotional events, enhancing brand awareness for the club.
  • Assisted coaches in organizing training drills and fitness routines.

Education

B.S. in Sports Management, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Graduated May 2017

Achievements

  • Selected for the U.S. Women’s National Team training camp in 2022.
  • Featured in Sports Illustrated as a rising star in women’s soccer.
  • Invited as a guest speaker at youth soccer development programs.

Strong sides of this sports resume:

  • Clearly highlights key achievements with quantifiable results, making performance easy to evaluate.
  • Includes leadership experience and community involvement, showcasing well-rounded contributions.
  • Uses a concise, easy-to-read format that keeps the focus on athletic accomplishments.
How to properly format a resume for sports?
  • Choose a classic font – Stick to Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10–12 pt size for simple reading.
  • Keep the length appropriate – One page is ideal, but two are acceptable if you have extensive experience.
  • Set standard margins – Use 1-inch spacing on all sides to maintain a balanced layout.
  • Maintain consistent spacing – Single or 1.15 line spacing with clear breaks between parts enhances clarity.
  • Add bullet points for clarity – Helps recruiters scan key information quickly.
  • Avoid unnecessary design elements – Excessive colors or graphics can make the document look unprofessional.
  • Highlight section headings – Bold or slightly larger font sizes create a structured flow.
  • Save as a PDF – Ensures the application stays intact across different devices.

Instead of starting from scratch and struggling with layout, try resume building online with a resume generator.

Resume Trick offers AI resume templates that help create a polished design, save time, and eliminate formatting problems.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume

Sports trainer resume example

Sample sports trainer resume

Michael Rivera
Denver, CO | michael.rivera@email.com | (555) 234-5678

Summary

Certified sports trainer specializing in strength and conditioning with a passion for helping athletes achieve peak performance. Expertise in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and personalized training programs.

Skills

  • Strength and conditioning
  • Injury assessment and treatment
  • Rehabilitation program design
  • Nutritional guidance
  • CPR and First Aid certified
  • Communication and motivation

Experience

Lead Sports Trainer | Mile High Fitness | Denver, CO

March 2020 – Present

  • Develop personalized training plans for 50+ athletes, enhancing performance and reducing injury rates by 30%.
  • Conduct workshops on injury prevention and nutrition for local high school teams.
  • Collaborate with sports doctors to create effective rehabilitation programs for injured athletes.
  • Manage gym equipment maintenance and ensure safety protocols are followed.

Assistant Trainer | Colorado Athletic Club | Denver, CO

June 2017 – February 2020

  • Assisted in developing training routines for college athletes, focusing on endurance and agility.
  • Monitored progress and adjust programs based on individual needs and goals.
  • Provided pre-game warm-ups and post-game recovery sessions for athletes.
  • Led group fitness classes to improve strength and flexibility.

Education

B.S. in Kinesiology, Colorado State University

Graduated May 2017

Certifications

  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) – National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Issued June 2017
  • American Red Cross CPR and First Aid – Valid through May 2027

Achievements

  • Featured speaker at the National Sports Training Conference 2023.
  • Developed a custom injury prevention program used by three collegiate teams.
  • Published a research paper on the impact of nutrition on athletic recovery.

Here are a few reasons why this example of a sports resume will impress recruiters:

  • Emphasizes a mix of technical expertise and client-focused skills, making it appealing to a wide range of employers.
  • Showcases relevant certifications and educational background to establish credibility.
  • Breaks down experience into actionable contributions, demonstrating impact in each role.
Should I choose a sports resume objective or summary?

Resume summary

Best for athletes with a solid background, provides a snapshot of skills, achievements, and contributions. It should be 2–4 sentences and include:

  • Key strengths and accomplishments
  • Experience level (high school, college, professional)
  • Notable awards or recognitions

Sports resume summary sample:

Dedicated college soccer player with five years of competitive experience. Two-time state champion with a record of 15 goals in one season. Strong leadership abilities and experience as team captain, bringing a disciplined and strategic approach to the game.

Resume objective*

Ideal for newcomers or those transitioning to a higher level, focuses on aspirations. It should be 1–2 sentences and include:

Sports resume objective example:

Hardworking high school basketball player looking to join a competitive college team. Passionate about teamwork, endurance, and improving defensive skills to contribute effectively on the court.

Sports agent resume sample

Sports agent resume template

Sports Agent Resume
Use template Download PDF

Resume for sports agent | Text version

Samantha Lee
New York, NY | samantha.lee@email.com | (555) 345-6789

Summary

Experienced sports agent with a decade of expertise in contract negotiation, endorsement deals, and talent management. Proven track record of securing lucrative opportunities for clients in the NBA and MLB.

Skills

  • Contract negotiation
  • Talent scouting and recruitment
  • Endorsement deals and sponsorships
  • Legal compliance and contract law
  • Public relations and media management
  • Networking and relationship building

Experience

Senior Sports Agent | Elite Sports Management | New York, NY

April 2015 – Present

  • Negotiate multi-million dollar contracts for top NBA and MLB athletes, securing an average increase of 20% in annual earnings.
  • Establish partnerships with leading brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Gatorade.
  • Advise clients on career development and post-retirement planning.
  • Represent athletes in legal matters, ensuring compliance with league regulations.

Junior Agent | Manhattan Athletic Agency | New York, NY

July 2011 – March 2015

  • Supported senior agents in contract drafting and negotiations for NFL and NHL players.
  • Organized promotional events and media appearances, enhancing client visibility.
  • Scouted emerging talent from college and international leagues.
  • Assisted in sponsorship deal structuring and brand partnerships.

Education

J.D., Fordham University School of Law

Graduated May 2011

Certifications

  • Certified Contract Advisor (NFLPA) – Issued September 2012

Achievements

  • Negotiated the highest rookie contract for an NBA player in 2021.
  • Featured on ESPN Business Report for expertise in athlete branding.
  • Successfully secured over $10 million in endorsement deals for clients.

This sample sports resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Highlights contract negotiations and sponsorship deals with concrete financial outcomes.
  • Demonstrates networking and relationship-building skills essential for career success.
  • Balances legal expertise, branding, and client management for a well-rounded professional profile.
How to showcase your sports resume skills?

The skills section highlights both technical expertise and personal strengths, giving recruiters insight into what makes you a great candidate.

  • Hard skills are developed through training, practice, and competition.
  • Soft skills shape how athletes perform in a team environment and respond to challenges.

Sports resume hard skills examples:

  • Strength and conditioning
  • Speed and agility
  • Tactical awareness
  • Endurance training
  • Ball control
  • Offensive and defensive techniques
  • Game strategy analysis
  • Injury prevention and recovery
  • Nutrition planning
  • Sport-specific techniques (e.g., dribbling, pitching, swimming strokes)

Sample of soft skills for sports resume:

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Discipline
  • Time management
  • Adaptability
  • Decision-making
  • Work ethic
  • Mental toughness
  • Coachability

Sports doctor resume example

Sample sports doctor resume

Dr. Kevin Thompson
Chicago, IL | dr.kevin.thompson@email.com | (555) 456-7890

Summary

Board-certified sports medicine physician with extensive experience treating professional and collegiate athletes. Specializing in injury prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation.

Skills

  • Sports injury diagnosis and treatment
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Concussion management
  • Orthopedic surgery assistance
  • Patient education and communication
  • Emergency care and first response

Experience

Sports Medicine Physician | Midwest Sports Medicine Center | Chicago, IL

January 2018 – Present

  • Treat over 200 professional athletes, specializing in ACL injuries and shoulder dislocations.
  • Develop preventative care programs reducing injury recurrence by 40%.
  • Collaborate with trainers and therapists to design comprehensive rehabilitation plans.
  • Provide on-field emergency medical care for professional sports teams.

Resident Physician | Northwestern Memorial Hospital | Chicago, IL

July 2014 – December 2017

  • Conducted pre-participation physical exams for collegiate athletes.
  • Assisted in surgical procedures for orthopedic sports injuries.
  • Educated athletes on injury prevention and proper recovery techniques.
  • Worked alongside physical therapists to monitor patient rehabilitation progress.

Education

M.D., University of Illinois College of Medicine

Graduated May 2014

Certifications

  • Board Certified in Sports Medicine – American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), Issued November 2018
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – American Heart Association, Valid through August 2026

Achievements

  • Served as team physician for the Chicago Bears during the 2022 season.
  • Published multiple research papers on the impact of concussion treatments.
  • Featured guest speaker at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Conference.

Why is this sports resume effective?

  • Effectively combines medical qualifications, hands-on experience, and specialized sports knowledge.
  • Uses clear, structured formatting to showcase both clinical and on-field expertise.
  • Demonstrates a strong history of working with elite athletes, adding credibility to the application.
What educational credentials should I add to my sports resume?

Academic background provides insight into discipline, dedication, and eligibility for sports programs. It also showcases a well-rounded profile.

What to include:

How to organize the experience section in a sports resume?
  • Arrange jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
  • Add team name, position, and dates of participation.
  • Use numbers and statistics to quantify achievements.
  • Choose strong action verbs like "led," "trained," "competed," and "achieved."
  • Highlight leadership roles such as team captain or mentorship positions.
  • Mention notable competitions and results (e.g., championships, tournaments).
  • Include volunteer work related to sports, such as organizing events or assisting in training camps.

Conclusion

A strong sports resume can be the key to unlocking new athletic opportunities.

By highlighting your skills, achievements, and experience in a clear and professional format, you can make a lasting impression on recruiters and coaches.

Keep your resume updated, tailor it to each opportunity, and present yourself as a dedicated and accomplished athlete. With the right approach, your application can help take your career to the next level.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume