My life—it’s been a wild ride.
I was born & raised in Mesa, Arizona.
I grew up in a devout Mormon family amidst a significantly large Mormon community.
I had a prolific swimming career. I was a three-time All-American & placed in the top 16 at National Championships five times. I also excelled in music, playing the violin & piano while singing in choir & church.
I received my undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, majoring in Communications & minors in Sociology and Business Management. I competed in swimming BYU in distance freestyle & butterfly events on scholarship. While at BYU, I was the team captain of the men’s swimming team, receiving recognition as a three-time NCAA Division I Academic All-American; a five-time National Championship Competitor; a two-time Open Water National Championship Competitor; & an NCAA Division I Championships Competitor. I was also recognized as the “Most Valuable Swimmer” & was voted by my teammates as the “Most Inspirational Swimmer.”
I received my Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law, specializing in Litigation. I am now an attorney for a non-profit offering legal services for individuals who can't afford them, licensed to practice law in five states. I’ve argued before the Nebraska Supreme Court—successfully advocating for change to Nebraska law.
Following my swimming career, I ran five marathons & four half marathons, & coached USA Swimming & US Masters Swimming. Realizing I missed the team aspect of athletics, I began CrossFit in February 2013. Since then, I have been a staple at local Nebraska competitions & traveled across the country to compete at various competitions.
Beginning in 2015, I started to address some significant internal issues I had with Mormonism.
In 2020, I actively started to deconstruct my relationship with Mormonism & chose to remove my membership records from the Mormon Church affirmatively.
In September 2020, my daughter Maeve was born.
Little did I know how much my world would change. How much my entire perspective on things would change. & how I realized that men, dads, & parents aren’t often provided a lot of resources to openly talk about issues or concerns. There is so much noise in the wellness space—but very little that’s relatable when it comes to physical, mental, spiritual, & emotional health. Being Maeve’s dad has caused me to deeply ponder how I can better love myself, & help equip Maeve to live a life of joy, fulfillment, & authenticity.
In September 2021, after nine years of marriage to a woman, I finally came out as a gay man.
Since that time, there has been substantial growth as I seek to allow room for the most genuine & true version of myself. It’s been messy, but it’s been the most peace I’ve felt as I’ve found power & strength within. I’ve seen the darkest of days in this new aspect of life, but I’ve never seen & felt such light. It’s in this that I’ve sought to share more of my story. For others to feel seen & heard, but also for Maeve to see that she can be what she wants, she can do what she wants, & she can love who she wants.
Let’s Fly
In late 2022, I found an incredible fitness community in Lincoln, NE, Fly Fitness. Fly was tremendously inclusive—a place where I felt safe & strong. Immediately after joining the community, I started training to become a cycle & HIIT instructor, & in December 2022, I became the ultimate HYPE QUEEN, leading the classes from the front. I promise you’ll have an incredible workout when you come, but you’ll also feel empowered, strong, & a commitment to taking up space & using your voice.
My desire for this space is to use my experiences to serve the communities better I'm a part of. I'd love to share my insights, mistakes, thoughts, & experiences with you.
So if you’re questioning your faith or your sexuality; if you’re finding life challenging as a gay, new, or single parent; if you’re encountering challenges with your nutrition & wellness; if you’re seeking to improve your mental health; or if you want to be reminded of your strength—I hope you find that here.
Move to be brave.
Move to be rad.
MOTION SUSTAINED.
Certifications/Experience:
Girls Gone Strong Certified Coaching Specialist (GGS-1)
Girls Gone Strong Certified Pre- & Postnatal Coach (CPPC)
Precision Nutrition L1
Certified Cycle & High-Intensity Interval Training Instructor
CrossFit L1
Completed Chrissy King's Anti-Racism for Wellness Professionals Course
Juris Doctor, Creighton University School of Law
Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Brigham Young University
Financial Peace University Graduate
USA Swimming & USMS Masters Swimming Coach