What was your athletic background, if any?
I swam for 17 years. I was a Division 1 swimmer at Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina.
What led you to Crossfit and CFA specifically?
I had a few post collegiate swimmers talk about CrossFit when I was nearing the end of my career. For the first 4 months of being done with swimming, I struggled to find rhythm and purpose in exercise. Once I moved home from NC, I found out about CFA and thought I would give it a shot! My first workout was with the BizStream guys and we did the Murph.
What do you do when you’re not at CFA?
I work full time as an RN at Helen Devos Children’s Hospital in the Emergency Department. During the summer, I also teach swim lessons as preventing childhood drownings is a huge passion of mine.
When did you realize that CrossFit is right for you?
Honestly, right away. I am competitive. I love to win. CrossFit is something that you can “win” at everyday. Winning might not mean having the fastest time of the class, but there are so many different “wins” you can experience. PR’s, new gymnast skills, double unders, faster running, etc. I love that about CrossFit. There is so many opportunities to get better and improve. Also, I was on a team my entire life, so working out with a community is so important to me. CFA is exactly that for me.
Do you remember your first WOD?
Yes!!! BizStream guys on a Friday doing Murph.
Also…for a memorable WOD…I was about 1 week into CrossFit and I did a push jerk right into my chin. My tooth almost came out. 😳🤦🏼♀️
What movement do you despise over everything and why?
OHS because I feel like I am going to fall on my butt. Which I actually did one time.
What has been your all-time favorite moment at CFA?
My first WOD back from Cleveland. I remember feeling at home and felt surrounded by family!
What motivates you during a tough workout?
Knowing that everyone around me is also suffering😂 No…but actually just love to compete against myself and those around me. I love to improve every single day.
What are your goals going forward and what do you think will help you achieve them?
Definitely want to get my first Muscle Up. I have been working on them with a band and want to continue to get stronger!
What sort of changes have you seen in your body, health, and fitness or just day to day life since starting CrossFit (before/after?)
CrossFit is a huge release for me. I struggle with some mental health stuff, and CrossFit has become that release for me. Health to me is more than just weight, physique, BMI, etc. Health is an overall encompass of someone’s physical, emotional, and mental health. CrossFit helps me be the best me I can be.
What would you recommend to someone who is just starting out with CrossFit or is too afraid to try it?
Even though I do come from an athletic background, CrossFit is something that can be beneficial for all backgrounds (athletic or not). What I love about CFA is that everyone is at different abilities, but everyone is doing the best that they can do. Seeing people who are 30 years older than me and still kicking ass is awesome. I hope I can be that way 30 years from now!!!
If you could have one skill or characteristic of another member at CFA what and from whom would it be? Or which other CFA member are you the most motivated by?
This is a hard question because honestly everyone motivates me! I think I really look up to Dave and Ted because they are consistent and always working hard.
Quick Questions
Favorite Cheat meal: Pinwheels from New Holland Brewing😩
Favorite Workout song: Anything but country lol
Favorite Place You Have Traveled: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Favorite TV Show: I don’t watch TV😟
Favorite CrossFit Athlete(if any): Tia-Clair Toomey !!!
Coach’s comment:
Morgan is well deserving for this October’s member of the month. We are thankful to have her as a part of our CFA family. She is always ready to put work in and sweat. We have seen her gain a drastic amount of strength in different lifts since she started with us and she is always looking to improve her weaknesses. Keep up the hard work, Morgan!
