My journey in fitness began in the water. I started swimming competitively back in middle school, joining my school’s swim team and quickly discovering a deep connection with the sport. That passion carried me through college, where I competed at a small Division III school. Even after graduating, I never left the water behind—today, I challenge myself with open water swims and triathlons.
Swimming has always been a place where I feel confident and strong. But it's not without its challenges, and that’s what makes my relationship with the sport so rewarding. Knowing how demanding swimming can be, both mentally and physically, I’m proud of every stroke I’ve taken to push through and grow. I take immense pride in several moments throughout my swim career—completing all four years as a college swimmer, finishing an Ironman with my dad and aunt, and conquering a three-mile open water swim. Each of these experiences has left a lasting impact on me, both as an athlete and as a person.
Outside the water, I channel my energy and curiosity into my passion for athletic performance. It’s become a meaningful extension of my love for sport and movement—an opportunity to study the body, understand its limits, and help others reach their full potential.
One thing I wish more people knew about swimming is that it takes longer to learn than most people expect. It’s a skill that requires time, patience, and access—something I was incredibly fortunate to have growing up. My school had a pool, and my mom enrolled us in a pool club at a young age. Those early years spent in the water gave me a huge head start and allowed me to develop a level of comfort and competence that I might not have had otherwise.
Swimming has taught me more than technique or endurance—it’s taught me how to plan, how to stay disciplined, and how to keep pushing even when the current feels against me. And while it can be competitive and challenging, swimming is also a lot of fun. I always encourage people to bring friends along, make it social, and experience the joy of the water together. You won’t regret it.
Looking ahead, one of my personal goals is to swim in the Great Barrier Reef—not for a race or a time—but simply to immerse myself in one of the world’s most stunning ecosystems. The idea of swimming alongside sea turtles, tropical fish, and vibrant coral reefs feels like a dream worth chasing.
For me, swimming has never just been a sport. It’s a lifelong companion, a teacher, and a source of joy and accomplishment. It’s taken me to places I never imagined and introduced me to parts of myself I might never have discovered on land.
