I've lived the life of an athlete from the get-go. As a Div 1 Volleyball player, I was at the top of my game until a career-ending knee injury brought me to a grinding halt. Doctors cautioned me against certain activities, and I took their words to heart. For the next decade, I abandoned fitness entirely, pouring my energy into being a devoted wife, mother, and professional.
Unfortunately, life threw me another curveball in the form of a devastating divorce. As I worked to rebuild my life, I found myself grappling with debilitating migraines, which landed me in the hospital with severe side effects. Shedding 20 pounds and battling relentless exhaustion, I felt like a shadow of my former self. Despite my efforts to control my diet, I found myself gaining weight rapidly. It wasn't until I received a diagnosis of Hashimoto's that I realized something had to change. My kids deserved a better version of their mom, and I was determined to make it happen.
Enter Crossfit—the game-changer. The rush of competition reignited my spirit, and working with a nutrition coach shed light on the importance of proper fueling, revealing years of under-fueling that had taken its toll. With each passing month, I regained strength and vitality, defying the odds and reclaiming activities once deemed impossible.
Empowered by my transformation, I pursued certification as a nutrition coach and personal trainer, eventually founding my online business, Evolve Body, to guide others on their own transformative journeys. But I hungered for a new challenge—a challenge that led me to the world of bodybuilding.
Preparing for my first show was a leap into the unknown. I grappled with doubts and uncertainties, compounded by the setback of my first coach ghosting me. However, with resilience as my ally, I pressed on, finding the guidance I needed to navigate the competitive arena.
After overcoming a foot injury and meticulous planning, I embarked on my first season in January 2023, determined to push my limits and test my mettle. Show after show, I pushed myself to new heights, earning Master's Figure Pro cards and Open Bikini Pro cards in drug-tested federations.
Seeking further validation, I ventured into uncharted territory, competing in an NPC show and securing victories across multiple categories, earning a spot at Nationals.
My journey epitomizes the notion that with unwavering determination, anything is possible. Success isn't devoid of challenges; rather, it's our response to adversity that defines our triumph. Now in my off-season, I'm committed to refining my craft, addressing areas for improvement based on feedback from past shows. While my next competition date remains uncertain, my resolve is unwavering—I'll return stronger, more formidable than ever before.
