She always tries her best, continuously pushing to hit goals and improve each day. She will not back down from challenges in the gym, and because of that, I truly believe she’s setting herself up for success in her day to day life as well. Her willingness to give back to her community, one she’s only known for a year or so, shows that her commitment is not only to her, but to the people that surround her. We’re definitely lucky to have her be part of our community.
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from? What do you do for a living/study? Feel free to add more.
I am originally from Greeley, Colorado. I moved to Nebraska back in 2019 to get my Bachelors degree in Special Education K-12, on top of school I was a college athlete. I played basketball at Hastings College for 4 years. I graduated from Hastings College in May 2023. I then became a Special Education Teacher right out of college and that’s what brought me to Lincoln! I am in my second year teaching Special Education at Lincoln Northeast High School, I am also a Freshman Head Girls Basketball Coach and the JV Softball Coach here at Northeast.
How did you find out about Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness?
I started Crossfit in Colorado at Double Diamond CrossFit the summer before my final season at Hastings College and my life has never been the same since. Once I finished my college career I started doing CrossFit again in Hastings at CrossFit ReSound, I was so excited to move to Lincoln and start teaching but I really wanted to continue CrossFit. I searched CrossFit gyms in Lincoln and LNF was the one that had the best reviews and looked like a place I would want to try. I emailed Emily that day to meet with her and that’s how I found LNF, I decided the moment I walked in the gym that this was the right place for me!
What was the biggest obstacle for you to start?
I think the biggest obstacle was being comfortable not knowing anyone starting at the gym. I moved to Lincoln not knowing anyone, so I thought starting right away at LNF would help me meet people. I struggled at the end of my senior year in college going to the gym consistently because student teaching is super hard, so that was another obstacle for-just showing up to the gym every day.
How did you overcome that obstacle?
I think at some point I just decided that I needed to get over it and in the long run I would make friends. It was my 3rd CrossFit Gym, so I wasn’t too nervous but LNF was also the biggest CF gym I have ever seen. I just focused on showing up and I started to meet some amazing people.
Do you remember your first workout?
I do remember my first workout, it was July 29th. I had driven from Hastings that morning in a bad thunderstorm to make it to the 8am class. I also had my car packed full from moving.
Who have your coaches been? How have they helped you through your first year of CrossFit?
I think I have probably had every coach in the gym a number of times, but I am a 5amer so I usually have Erin, Derek, Ayden, or John. I think each coach, even the ones who don’t have me in class all the time have all been very invested in not only my success, but the success of everyone in the gym. I feel that each of them have made an effort to really get to know me as a person and support me in the gym. My lifting form has gotten so much better in the past year because of all of the coaches, this is my second year of CrossFit and I think that this year I have grown so much because of how knowledgeable the coaching staff is at LNF.
Why do you keep coming back to LIncoln Nutrition & Fitness?
I keep coming back because it’s now a huge part of my life. I can’t imagine life without CrossFit anymore. I was going through a lot mentally at the end of college and I think one of the things that helped me find happiness again was CrossFit. It was also hard coming to a new place and not knowing anyone. Because of being a teacher and a coach I have a crazy busy life, so giving myself an hour everyday to focus on fitness and my health is something I put at a very high priority. I also love being surrounded by others who are positive minded and enjoyable to be around, going to the gym is a good social outlet for me because I don’t get that at work. I am used to a lot of social input during the day, so being able to have social time before the school day really helps me. I love everyone at this gym, the community is amazing.
How do you balance health & fitness with a busy schedule? How do you stay so consistent in the gym?
I told myself that once I moved to Lincoln I would take my health and fitness and make it my top priority, so my number 1 goal was consistency. I have found that going at 5am everyday keeps me energized throughout the day and it’s a time I know I can make everyday. I start my day with the focus that my health is my number 1 priority, keeping my body healthy has helped me in so many ways. I am super busy, but I also believe that being consistent is a choice. I don’t think I will ever wake up at 4:30 in the morning and feel 100% ready to go, but I do it anyway regardless of how tired I am because I know that my health is my biggest priority. Sometimes I don’t even know how I balance all the things that I do, but I just manage to make it work. One day at a time!!
How does CrossFit help you with your job? How does CrossFit affect the rest of your life?
CrossFit helps me be able to have time for myself. I feel that cf has helped me become a better person in my work life and be able to help other teachers take better care of themselves. I think the hardest thing about being a teacher is that you are constantly taking care of others, but taking care of yourself can be hard–you need to be able to prioritize yourself and crossfit has helped me do that. I have lost 30 pounds within the past year and I feel confident in my body. I want to lead as an example for my students and players, crossfit has helped me get there. CrossFit is now a huge part of my life, it is a daily routine and my goal is to go 6 days a week when I don’t coach on weekends. I found my best friend at CrossFit Lincoln–Hallie Roman–we are now roommates lol. My self image is so much better and I feel confident in my own skin everyday(I could’ve never worked out in short spandexs and a sports bra anywhere else), I am a much happier individual and am always so happy to see all of my friends.
What is your favorite thing about Lincoln Nutrition & Fitness: Home of CrossFit Lincoln?
My favorite thing about LNF is the community. I feel at home and have felt accepted for who I am every single day. I am very thankful to have met a life long friend Hallie, she is such a great motivator and we bonded instantly over crossfit. I am so blessed to have found such an amazing person in my life. Being surrounded by motivated people and seeing them grow is so inspiring. The members at LNF are MY PEOPLE!