Ignite. Spark. Shine.

Deciding to get out of your own way is monumental. Most of the time, it happens when you’ve just had enough.

Enough of the excuses. Enough of the "what ifs". Enough of the self-doubt that plays like a broken record in your head.

Putting yourself out there, especially when it requires being vulnerable, is scary. All the fears show up: fear of failure, fear of being judged, fear of not being enough. But taking that first step? That’s what cracks it all open.

Even knowing the road ahead would stretch me in every direction, I finally reminded myself: you don’t need to know it all to start. You just need to start.

That’s what I did.

Back when I lived in Arizona, I first began to feel the pull toward coaching. It scared me, not because I didn’t love the sport, but because I did. So deeply. Triathlon had poured so much into me over the years: strength, purpose, growth, confidence, connection. How could I possibly be "ready" to give back to it in the form of coaching?

Cue imposter syndrome, a sprinkle of perfectionism, and a dash of "who do you think you are?"

Still, there was a steady voice under all the noise: I want to support others the way this sport supported me.

It took time. A cross-country move. An amazing friend in NJ I admire and respect deeply—an angel among us of kindness and giving—opened the door to the USA Kids Tri Program, powered by USA Triathlon. That opportunity helped me evolve, give back, and deepen my connection with the sport and its incredible community. Their love for the sport and belief in me created a ripple effect that changed my life. A bike crash that gave me silver linings. And the unexpected gift of space and reflection in "The After."

And then, in perfect universe timing, I stumbled across Coach Michelle Lake on Instagram. I started listening to her podcast, The Endurance Coachpreneur, and it was like something lit up inside me. This was the kind of honest, empowering, no-fluff guidance I needed. So I joined her Dream Launcher program.

The room she created? Safe. Supportive. Badass. Full of brilliant coaches who showed up for themselves and for each other. That kind of energy is contagious. And healing.

Michelle gave the map, the tools, the guidance. What I brought was grit, curiosity, and the willingness to finally believe in myself enough to take action.

And with all of that?

SHINE Multisport Coaching was born.

Launching this business has felt like a homecoming. It’s not just about workouts and race prep. It’s about walking alongside all people who want to do something meaningful for themselves, through sport.

I’m honored to be on this side of the journey now, as a coach, a partner in the process, a teammate. My first athlete entrusted me with their dreams, their goals, their time, their energy. That kind of trust means everything to me.

And now? We rise.

Together.

More to come, especially about how this new season of coaching has led me right back into training. Stay tuned for what happens when a post-crash athlete says yes to 13.1 miles with her tri bestie. It involves Rob Schneider, big dreams, and some running shoe retail therapy.

Thanks for being here. Keep SHINING!