I was a Division 1 swimmer through 2012, and after retiring, I dove headfirst into bodybuilding. As a swimmer, we were strong but lean—never training to build size. So I experimented with anything to bulk up: eating a pound of ground beef a day, drinking a gallon of whole milk—basically doing whatever it took to get bigger, faster, and stronger. It worked—I put on size quickly, though not always with the healthiest habits.

I loved lifting heavy. I hit personal bests like a 405 lb squat, 365 lb bench, and a 500 lb deadlift. Eventually, I became a personal trainer, ditched the shortcuts, and went back to school for an associate’s degree in exercise science. I had gone from 175 lbs in my college swim days to about 230 lbs at my peak lifting size, but something was missing. Spending all day inside—then heading to a gym indoors—left me craving something different.

So I pursued a bachelor’s in Health and Wellness Management and shifted my training approach. As an in-home personal trainer, I couldn’t haul around massive weights, so I embraced bodyweight training, kettlebells, resistance bands, and functional movement. I helped clients build strength with minimal equipment, which often translated better to everyday life. By 2019, I was traveling with clients, training in places like Florida and Chicago, and building long-term partnerships—some of which I still have today.

In 2021, one client wanted to try a triathlon, so I trained alongside them. While my swim was strong, I had to improve my bike and run. In 2022, I qualified for nationals in the Olympic triathlon. After a solid run, I transitioned into open water swimming in 2023. I won my first major race, Point to La Pointe, and in 2024, returned to set a new course record.

From D1 swimming to bodybuilding, minimal-equipment training, triathlons, and now open water swimming, I’ve pushed myself through many chapters. I continue learning and growing—both for myself and for the clients I serve every day.