Every season teaches something new. In this blog, our coaches share one lesson that stood out to them this year, whether it came from an athlete, a challenge, or a moment that changed how they coach. These reflections offer a glimpse into the growth happening behind the scenes, beyond the workouts and training plans.
Coach Kristen
“The reason why I love what I do is that even after 20 years in the coaching business, I am still learning, still seeing room for professional growth (I don’t think personal growth can ever cease). As a small business owner, I am in the era of needing to pass off stuff. I learned this year that if you have the right people in place that you trust to support your business, not only can you reduce some of your own stress, but you can also grow. We have a phenomenal staff that has really taken the reins this year and shown me that they can be experts in their own way and that can lead to an increase in business for all of us. As a coach, the biggest reminder I have gotten from my clients is to stay present and stay positive. From the teenage boy who has grown 8 inches in a year and is learning to control his new long limbs, to the triathlete who wanted to challenge herself to take on her first Ironman and ended up very sick the week before her race and still excitedly crossed that finish line, to the young swimmer who just started her period for the first time and is learning to work through the challenges that come with that, to the general fitness enthusiast whose close relative had to have some hospital time and in the midst of that lost his job and still found a way to keep his head up, to my older women who are dealing with the drastic changes that come along with menopause, to each one of my clients that I have been blessed to have a relationship with and get to know the ins and outs of their lives…each one has been through tough times in their own way and took it one day at a time. It’s imperative for me to remind each client of this and apply it to my own life and circumstances. So for 2025, I was shaped by those people who supported Sport Speed Lab and those clients who showed up in the midst of adversity. It’s an honor to be surrounded by such amazing people.”
Coach Becky
“Throughout my adult life, I have taken on the role of coach and teacher in both professional and personal spheres, working with people of all ages and abilities. While it is deeply fulfilling to witness others achieve goals they once thought impossible and to know that my encouragement and coaching played a part, the most lasting lesson has been the immeasurable value of what I have learned from those I have coached, taught, or mentored. Every individual has broadened my perspective and contributed to my growth, making each experience uniquely rewarding. The journey has taught me the importance of humility—accepting that I don’t have all the answers and embracing the opportunity to learn from others. Moving into 2026, I am excited to continue this collaborative learning with my clients and athletes by focusing on developing new training methods and sharing best practices to benefit those I work with and strengthen my own skills and relationships. Ultimately, the insights and lessons gained from these interactions continue to inspire and motivate me in all aspects of life. Each day, I recognize the valuable lessons I have gained from every individual I have encountered in my role as Coach.”
Coach Bryce
“One of the biggest things I learned this year as a coach is how important the client–coach relationship truly is, and how much we, as coaches, depend on our clients just as much as they depend on us. While we may be the experts in movement, training, nutrition, and healthy habits, I’ve been reminded that coaching is never one-sided. Each client brings something meaningful to the table—not just from their profession or background, but from who they are as individuals. Their outlook on life, their experiences, and the diversity they represent have added real value to my life, both personally and professionally.
Through countless conversations—about loss, becoming parents, navigating health challenges, finding purpose, or simply trying to be better humans—I’ve found motivation and inspiration for my own health and fitness journey. These moments keep me grounded and humble. In a time when the world often feels divided, I’ve found real solace in the diversity of my clients and the shared space we create together. It’s a reminder of why we call it personal training. Every interaction matters, every story matters, and we grow alongside the people we coach—because at the end of the day, the strongest results come not just from programs and progressions, but from the human connection that makes us all better.”
Coach Tommy
“Around the shop, I’m kind of known as the data geek. Yes, give me any kind of data and I’ll analyze it for validity and usefulness. Power data, heart rate data, VO2 max data, etc. etc.
This year I saw a breakthrough with one of my coached athletes. He started the year at a bike FTP of 198 watts. He is a fairly balanced athlete, equally proficient at swimming, biking, and running. So the goal this year was to increase his bike FTP, because success in triathlon requires superior bike fitness and humble bike pacing. This will lead to running well off the bike.
I saw his FTP increase from 198 watts at the beginning of the year to 221 watts mid year and finally 238 watts at the end of the year and just before his goal race. This was accomplished through cycling specific strength training, VO2 max intervals and sub maximal intervals (z4) on the bike. Basically, pull the threshold up from the top and push it up from the bottom.
Athletes of all levels from beginner to elite can see these kinds of performance breakthroughs by using specific and structured training. As a coach, this really motivates me going into 2026 and I look forward to more breakthroughs.”
Coach Bobby
“Every year reinforces the same truth, learning never ends. Coaching has taught me that growth happens daily, for the athlete and the coach. Swimming demands patience, awareness, and trust because no two swimmers experience the water the same way.
In 2025, patience stood out as the most important skill I continued to develop. Athletes don’t follow a single path to improvement. Beginners and advanced swimmers alike need coaching that adapts to how they learn, not how we expect them to learn. Real progress comes from meeting athletes where they are and guiding them forward, one step at a time.”
Every lesson shared here came from real moments on the floor, on the field, and behind the scenes. Together, they reflect a coaching staff that values growth, curiosity, and connection just as much as results. These experiences help define who we are at Sport Speed Lab and guide how we continue to serve our athletes and community moving forward.