Malkia Strikers middle blocker Edith Wisa wants sportsmen and women to combine academics and sports in a bid to build a stronger foundation for themselves in life.
The 28-year-old admits there are unprecedented times in a player's career and academics can offer alternative solutions in life.
"Sports pays well because of the talent but your career can end anytime. Injuries occur, disagreements may arise and your contract can be terminated prematurely. You, therefore need something you can fall back on," she noted.
She said: "In order to avoid the uncertainty, investment in education is the safest bet because knowledge and expertise will never expire. Opportunities will be there if you have the required documents. You need to have options when things don't go your way."
The Kenya Commercial Bank captain played for Kenya Prisons between 2013 and 2019 before joining KCB as one of the three professional players alongside Mercy Moim and Sharon Chepchumba.
The two-time silver medallist with the Wardresses warned her compatriots at the club level who have been drafted into the national team for the World Championship to avoid basking in their recent glory.
The Mount Kenya University graduate with a degree in Commerce (accounting) has called for a change in mentality.
She said Malkia have what it takes to make history in the Netherlands provided the team heads to Brazil this week as expected for a two-month High-Performance training.
"What happened during KCB's title triumph in Tunisia is history. We must now focus on the task ahead if we have to don the national colours with pride. This is not only for KCB players as everybody has an obligation to help the team and pull together in one direction," she noted.
Wisa made her Malkia debut in 2014 and has been regular. She has twice been named as Africa's finest blocker.
She said Malkia will have the best preparations in Brazil and will have no excuse if they underperform in the Netherlands.
"Our major undoing has been lack of exposure. However, having this opportunity to train in Brazil and then playing test matches with Serbia and Colombia will be a morale booster."
