Hometown
Hanover, PA
Current Rank
Green shirt MT, Blue belt BJJ
What year did you start training?
2013
How did you get started?
I was looking for something to call my own. I really didn’t know what I was in for, but once I was brave enough to make the call and show up for a class, I knew I was in for life.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve encountered in your training, and how did you overcome it?
I’ve had a few, but the toughest challenge was coming back to training after having a baby. It took a while for my body to let me train. After I started adjusting physically, I was so sleep deprived over that first year that even when I had the time to, I didn’t feel like I had the energy to train. I got back slowly by deciding it was a priority and committing to a few hours of training per week. I knew training was good for me both physically and mentally, so eventually I just started to come back to classes even when I didn’t feel like I was at my best, and that was the smartest thing I could’ve done. Just get in and train. It’s not always going to feel like the right time, but the timing isn’t ever going to be perfect.
What’s your favorite thing about training or teaching, and why?
My coaches and professors pass their knowledge to me, and it has enriched my life in so many ways. It’s a total pleasure to be part of that cycle of passing knowledge along to others, and especially to see students develop a love for the art as I have. It’s also incredibly satisfying when students have specific goals and I’m able to help them achieve those goals.
What are your personal goals on and off the mat?
In the near term, I want to get on a more consistent training schedule for both Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu. Long term, I’d love to compete more and just learn more! Off the mats, it’s all about putting my family first, and making a living doing things I love and believe in.
What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I smoked cigarettes, drank and ate excessively for a long time. That seriously inhibited my ability to stay fit. I’m in better physical condition now in my forties than I was in my twenties, by far.
