About Me
Hi! My name’s Izzy, the swimmer.
“But wait, I thought you were done swimming?? I thought you were coaching now?? I’m so confused, please help, I don’t understand!!”
I’m so glad you asked! Allow me to explain.
From an early age, swimming became the center of my world.
I drove an hour each way to practice, devoted countless hours to training, and even transitioned to online school in high school to make room for morning workouts, private lessons, swim camps, personalized training, and nutrition coaching.
My journey led to state records, national rankings, and collegiate competition at the University of Tennessee, Lindenwood University, and later Calvin University—giving me firsthand experience across all three NCAA divisions.
Along the way, I faced my fair share of challenges, including injuries, chronic illness, and the mental strain of a relentless pursuit of perfection.
I have seen the best and worst this sport has to offer.
There is nothing I know better than the life of a swimmer.
Which is how we got here, coaching.
Growing up in my tiny home town of corn fields and tractor supply stores, this was all I was know for.
It was who I am.
And I used to hate it.
Because I’m not just a swimmer, which is true.
But it made me who is I am.
It made me a leader, it made me observant, it made me empathetic, kind, and understanding.
It gave me a sick sense of humor, a witty persona, and a relentless desire to be the best.
It allowed me to get a Masters degree in Media and Strategic Communication.
It made me a coach, a writer, a speaker, and avid story teller.
It made me a better person.
And there were times I fought it every step of the way (cause Mama didn’t raise a quitter, she did, however, raise a complainer).
But it gave me a story and it gave me a purpose.
So technically, no—I’m not a competitive swimmer anymore.
But I didn’t leave swimming behind.
I just stopped letting it be something I do—and started letting it be something I understand.
It will always be something I’m known for
It will always be a part of my life.
It will always be the thing I never seem to shut up about.
And that’s not going anywhere.
Deckside 