Life history experiences have a significant impact on the professionalization process of teachers. Vera Volkmann explores this connection through biographical case studies developed from narrative-biographical interviews. Using sports as an example, which is deeply intertwined with personal and professional life, it can be demonstrated how important personal experiences in and with sports, as well as with education and school, are for one's own pedagogical practice. According to the findings of the study, these experiences serve as a kind of backdrop for pedagogical reflection and the professional actions that stem from it.