MY STORY
Strength Through Adversity
I am a wife, mother, and Physical Therapist living and working in Western New York. I ventured into the world of triathlon and endurance sports coaching with a passion and eagerness to share and guide others. I love to tackle goals and see others succeed not only in athletics, but in the amazing personal growth that happens through triathlon and endurance sports.
My journey led me to triathlon later in life. I began running at age 13 as an effort to lose weight and gain self-esteem. At that time, 400 meters was a feat. But once I started, I never gave up. In my high school years I competed in track and cross country, making it to the National Junior Olympics twice for the 3000-meter event. I then competed in collegiate cross country and indoor/outdoor track at Lock Haven University with an ongoing love for running.
Upon graduating with my Master’s in Physical Therapy from Gannon University, I began to run marathons along with 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons. I qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon in 2008 -- my biggest marathon accomplishment. With running came injury, leading me to reevaluate my love for and possible longevity in running marathons. After taking extended time off from running due to that injury, and being broken emotionally, my never-ending desire to train and push through led me to the sport of triathlon. With a total of six months off from running my amazing husband urged me to try something new. He had me purchase a road bike, and I began to teach myself to swim. I fell in love with these new sports, although swimming was a big challenge. (I taught myself how to swim at age 38!) I biked, swam, and healed, thus allowing me to run once again. With the ability to do all three sports, I completed my first sprint triathlon. I went for it and never looked back.
From age 38 on, I have dived head first into endurance sports and have since spent more than ten years learning, growing, and falling in love with training and competing in triathlons. Each year, I have gotten stronger and have never stopped learning. So far, I have completed numerous sprint triathlons, earning STTC Female Overall Series Winner each year. I have also completed several Olympic distance triathlons, including USA Triathlon Nationals. In 2021, I qualified for the USA Triathlon World Championships and also finished in the top 50 of my age group at the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. In total, I have completed four half Ironmans and one full Ironman with a time of 12:34, and plans to do more.
I am a goal-driven, energetic athlete who loves triathlons. I have lots to share as a coach through my journey and strive to learn and grow as much as I can with the athletes I coach. I choose to serve and help others in my career as a Physical Therapist and am now including coaching in my life as I feel I am meant to do. Let me help you reach your goals! We got this!