There are home videos of me using one of my first words, “ball,” which I incessantly said over and over again (likely in a maddening way if you were having to listen). Growing up in Paducah, KY, my siblings were always being tasked with playing with me, and that typically involved a ball. That developed into a love for competitive sports. I played volleyball and basketball through high school, and from there I played basketball all the way through college. Not long after graduating, I landed in sports ministry, where I worked with collegiate and professional women’s basketball players for the next several years and got involved in an amazing CrossFit gym. I got to travel the world, serve, and work in many different cultures. During those years, I came to realize I wanted to be in the world of fitness for the long haul. I believe fitness is a microcosm of many other areas of our lives. I love how it brings people together from all different walks of life and can offer development that translates into everything we do. I’m thrilled to be a part of that here at SSC.
I’ve always been fairly independent. In 2023, that was all challenged shortly after giving birth to my daughter. I was four months postpartum when I had a fluke injury in a basketball league, and for the next several months I was barely able to stand up and walk across a room, much less give my baby a bath, carry her, etc. Between that and breastfeeding struggles, I felt the most physically incapable I’d ever felt in my life, and I struggled with feelings of failure. I had to accept lots of help from my husband, family, and friends during that time. I remember wondering if this was our new normal and fearing whether I’d be able to get back to lifting weights and generally healthy movement again. A few months later, I thankfully was able to turn the corner. I think that season increased both my resilience and my empathy for others in the various challenges we face. Since then, I’ve felt more inspired than ever to not take my ability to move well for granted. Any opportunity to help others do the same is an honor.
It’s special when you can turn something you really love into a purposeful way of helping people. Whatever the goal is, I’m passionate about coming alongside others to listen and learn, encourage and coach, and help them reach their desired outcomes. I’ve experienced the impact this industry can have on a person, and I love getting to walk with those in similar pursuits. I’m excited as a mom and an athlete to also get to raise my daughter in environments where she can see all kinds of people come together to reach common goals.
