Athlete Spotlight: Meet Katie!

Get to know the people who make our Community Strong. This month, we’re catching up with Katie, who joined Defined in 2024.

For Katie, Defined is more than just a space for physical activity– it’s an outlet for stress, socialization, and overall mental wellbeing. Read on to learn more about her story and why she chooses this community!

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Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am from Woodbridge, Virginia and have lived in Chicago for three years. I moved here to attend law school at DePaul University and recently graduated in May. Upon passing the bar, I plan on joining the Army as a Judge Advocate.

Growing up, I was an athlete my whole life. I played competitive volleyball for 10 years and played at the collegiate level at a Division 3 school. During my years of volleyball, I fell in love with working out and lifting weights. This love transitioned into CrossFit during my college years, where I would train at commercial gyms with workouts I found online. One summer I signed up for a local CrossFit gym and had such a fun time. This ultimately led me to Defined.

The military has physical fitness requirements, and I knew I needed to find a gym that could satisfy my need to improve my fitness. I knew that joining a CrossFit gym would not only help my physical fitness, but also help with my mental health.

Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you or makes you smile?

"Hard work pays off.”

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What does training at Defined mean to you and for your life?

It means everything to me. This summer, I studied almost every day in preparation for the bar, which came with a lot of stress. I went to Defined to increase my physical fitness, help with my stress levels, and remind myself that I can do hard things successfully.

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How has training here helped you become the person you were meant to be?

Training at Defined has helped push my physical capabilities. I’ve been able to push my threshold in all areas because of my training. Also, it has reminded me to believe in myself, not only in the gym, but in all aspects of my life.

What does #MoreThanAGym mean to you?

To me, it means community and friendship. Defined isn’t just a place to work out, but a space that provides community, friendship, and support to everyone.

How do you track your progress and measure your success? Are there any particular tools or methods you use?

I track the workouts I perform with the SugarWOD app. Before the app, I would write down my workouts in a journal and I would look back to see where I used to be compared to where I am now.

What's one piece of advice you'd give someone who is just starting their fitness journey?

Don't give up and find something that makes you excited to keep going.

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What are your goals, both in and out of the gym?

My goals in the gym are to continue to push my threshold and my fitness. My goals outside of the gym are to create a balanced lifestyle filled with experiences, friends, and peace.

What is one thing that most people don't know about you?

I know basic American Sign Language.

Final statement/words to live by?

You can do anything if you put your mind to it. I truly believe that anything is possible with time and patience.

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Thanks for being a part of our community, Katie!

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An update on Katie's journey: She didn't just pass her Army basic training, she crushed it. Katie was recognized for obtaining the highest Army combat fitness test score out of all females in her class. "The hard work definitely paid off," she said in an Instagram post. It certainly did. Congratulations, Katie!