Sarah Ellman

Growing up in Connecticut, I tried just about every sport I could — but swimming was the one that stuck. It became my foundation and ultimately led me to compete at the collegiate level, where I learned discipline, grit, and how to push beyond what I thought were my limits.

After college, I wasn’t ready to step away from competition. I moved into triathlons, experimented with tennis, and continued searching for the next challenge. That search eventually led me to CrossFit — a perfect blend of intensity, skill, and community. It brought back the team atmosphere I loved growing up while pushing me physically and mentally in new ways.

Over time, my focus shifted from simply competing to building longevity. Today, I’m in the best shape of my life — not just because of performance metrics, but because I train with purpose. Every stage of my journey has shaped the coach I am now: someone who values mechanics, effort, resilience, and belonging just as much as results.

Growing up as the skinny kid, I wanted to play every sport — but I didn’t always feel like I had the body or natural talent to be the best. My enemy wasn’t another competitor; it was the quiet belief that maybe I just wasn’t built for it.

Finding my way to the pool changed everything. I was surrounded by coaches who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. They taught me that confidence, discipline, and determination matter more than genetics. That lesson became a turning point — not just in sports, but in life.

As an adult, I’ve realized that training isn’t just about performance. It’s how I care for my mental health. It’s how I find joy. It’s how I connect to community. What started as trying to prove I belonged turned into understanding that strength isn’t about how you’re built — it’s about how you show up.

My passion for coaching comes from creating a space where both the elite athlete and the brand-new beginner feel equally seen, challenged, and valued. I love helping athletes give their best effort, refine their mechanics, and discover what they’re truly capable of — no matter where they’re starting from.

More than anything, I want people to feel like they belong. Not like they’re just another person in the mix, but like they are part of something bigger. Coaching, to me, is about building confidence, connection, and community — where everyone feels like one of us, not just one of many.