Sports always played a big roll in my home growing up. My dad was a judo instructor so we all started with some martial arts at a young age. My judo lessons taught me discipline and determination, something I try to carry into all life situations. Having my father as my instructor many of the principles taught in the sport were emphasized at home in all aspects. I knew early that if my siblings I was not the most athletic, but I was definitely more determined than they. I started cheering when in elementary school but was introduced to field hockey by my 6th grade year and fell in love. I enjoyed running and the technical parts of the sport intrigued me. I started on the elementary intramural team where I learned so much about the sport. I played field hockey all through JH and HS, making varsity my sophomore year, and then ran track on the off season to prep for hockey season. After HS, in my first few years of college I only participated in intramural sports but nothing competitive. After leaving college I joined the Air Force. There my focus switched from team sports to individual health and wellness. I would spend my down time at the gym where I would get my first taste of olympic lifting. Lifting was never my thing when I was younger but I enjoyed it, and the motivation I received from my peers was encouraging. I try to pull from all these experiences when I coach. What worked for me, what motivates and encourages me, and what didn’t work. I always want to meet my client/guest where the are and then gently push them where they want to be.

Turning Point

After moving back to lancaster, I had my last and final child and put on some weight. My eating habits changed to that of convenience rather than nutrition, and my exercise routine consisted of walks to the park literally down the street. I woke up one day and didn’t like how I felt. I decided it was time to get back to the gym and make some lifestyle changes. Soon after I was back at the gym, however after some time I began doing the same mundane workouts. I realized I was getting bored but kept going through the motions because I had to do something. I stumbled across a 6 week challenge at a local gym and signed up. It was a crossfit gym and I got to see what it was all about. I had heard of crossfit but was a little intimidated by videos I saw online. However, by the 3rd week I was hooked and signed up for a membership. I had doubted when I first started that I would even be able to keep up. But I kept showing up and pushing because I wanted to be a healthier version of myself. I was determined to be a healthier version of my self. With the encouragement of my gym community, I push myself past my comfort zone and achieved things I never thought I would.

Motivation & Passion

I coach because I myself am excited about the sport and I want others to be excited too. I want to meet people where they are on their fitness journey and help them get to where they want to be.