Free Agent Technologies
Jan 8, 2025
Emma Spence, a Canadian gymnast and NCAA athlete, reflects on her career and transition beyond sport, finding support and new opportunities through Free Agent.
Meet Emma Spence – a gymnast who has not only represented Canada on the international stage but also carved out a space for herself as a student-athlete in the NCAA. Over the course of her career, Emma has gone from being an Olympic alternate to helping her country make history, claiming a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships. But as her journey as an elite athlete draws to a close, she’s transitioning into a new chapter—one that many athletes face, but few discuss: life after sport.
Here, Emma shares her story, the lessons learned along the way, and how she's preparing for a future beyond gymnastics, with a little help from the Free Agent community.
"My name is Emma Spence, and I’m a gymnast," Emma begins. "I’ve been a member of the Canadian national team for eight years, and I’ve had the privilege of representing my country at the highest levels—two-time Olympic alternate (Tokyo and Paris), world medalist, and a three-time Commonwealth Games medalist."
From qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to competing at the 2022 World Championships, Emma’s career has been filled with unforgettable milestones. As an NCAA gymnast at the University of Nebraska, she’s finishing up her fourth year and gearing up for graduation in May 2025.
"I’ve been lucky to travel around the world competing for Canada, which has taught me so many invaluable lessons—about sport, yes, but also about life and people," she says. "Gymnastics has shaped me in ways I never could have imagined, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it."
When asked how her journey in sport has shaped her as a person, Emma reflects on the invaluable life lessons she’s learned along the way.
"Gymnastics has taught me discipline, hard work, and perseverance. But beyond that, it’s taught me how to connect with people from all walks of life, all over the world. It’s incredible how sport has this universal language—no matter where you’re from, or what sport you play, you share this understanding with others who have had similar experiences. And that’s something I’ll carry with me forever."
Through gymnastics, Emma has learned to deal with adversity, push through tough moments, and experience the deep satisfaction that comes with achieving a goal after putting in the hard work. These values have shaped her into the athlete and person she is today.
One of the core values that has guided Emma’s career is leadership. She talks about how these values have not only made her a better athlete but also prepared her for life beyond gymnastics.
"Leadership, discipline, and excellence go hand in hand," she says. "They’ve taught me to commit to something fully and work as hard as I can to achieve it. It’s that motivation and drive to be the best version of myself, even in stressful or challenging moments. And those values are what will help me in the next chapter of my life, outside of gymnastics."
The next step in Emma’s journey is one that many athletes face—transitioning out of sport. With graduation on the horizon and her gymnastics career coming to an end, Emma is preparing to step into the "real world." But she knows that it’s not going to be easy.
"I’m about to face two major life changes at once: graduating from school and retiring from gymnastics," she shares. "It’s a lot to process. I need to figure out how to navigate this transition, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be part of a community that can help with that. The Free Agent platform is a great way to make this transition smoother because it connects athletes who are going through similar experiences. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not alone."
The idea of stepping away from sport and finding a new identity outside of being an athlete is something Emma believes many athletes struggle with. "One of the biggest challenges is the loss of identity," she says. "For so long, your sport defines who you are. And when that’s taken away, you have to reinvent yourself. That can be really hard mentally."
That’s why the Free Agent mission resonates so strongly with Emma. "The platform offers a network of support that not many other spaces provide," she explains. "It’s all about connecting with people who understand what you’re going through, whether you’re transitioning out of sport or looking to grow in a different area of your life."
Emma believes that the Free Agent platform has the power to change the way athletes approach their post-sport careers. "It gives athletes something to look forward to," she says. "Free Agent helps athletes find new purpose and motivation, even after leaving the competitive stage. It’s not just about moving on from sport—it’s about building a new future."
In Emma’s view, Free Agent also addresses one of the biggest concerns for athletes transitioning out of sport: the feeling of isolation. "There’s this community of people who understand, who can share their stories and offer guidance. That’s invaluable, especially during such a big life change."
A huge part of Free Agent’s mission is fostering an elite network of athletes. Emma believes that access to this network is crucial for athletes as they move forward in life. "Having a network of athletes—whether they’re retired or still competing—creates a space where you can share experiences, offer support, and grow together," she says. "It’s not just about career opportunities—it’s about mental and emotional support as well."
She goes on to explain that elite athletes share a unique bond, no matter what sport they come from. "There’s an understanding between us. The challenges we’ve faced in our careers may look different, but at the core, we’ve all been through something similar. That connection is priceless."
If there’s one word that defines the Free Agent app for Emma, it’s opportunity. "Free Agent gives athletes the chance to build something new, to find purpose outside of their sport," she says. "It opens up new doors and helps athletes navigate a future that’s just as exciting as their time in sport."
With her own career transitioning into a new phase, Emma is looking forward to what lies ahead. As she continues to represent Canada in gymnastics and prepare for life after sport, she’s confident that the lessons she’s learned, the people she’s met, and the support she’s found will help her thrive in whatever comes next.
As Emma moves closer to graduation and her gymnastics career winds down, she’s excited to see where this next chapter will take her. Whether it’s through the connections she’s building with the Free Agent community or the new opportunities that come her way, Emma’s future is filled with potential.
"Life after sport can be daunting," Emma says. "But with the right support and a network of people who understand, it doesn’t have to be. I’m looking forward to building the next phase of my life, and I know that whatever comes next, I’ll be ready for it."
Join Emma and thousands of other athletes as they prepare for their post-sport careers with Free Agent. Explore opportunities, find support, and discover what comes next after the game.
