This month we’re proud to recognize Stephanie as our October Athlete of the Month! Stephanie’s journey at Eclipse is one of perseverance, strength, and resilience. After undergoing double total knee replacements, she has continued to show up, work through recovery, and celebrate every milestone along the way. She also brings an incredible competitive spirit, a love for her community, and a whole lot of heart to the gym. We’re so excited to celebrate Stephanie and everything she represents! Be sure to keep reading to get to know her a little better.
Get to Know Stephanie
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do outside of the gym.
I’m finishing up probably one of the most physically challenging years of my life after double total knee replacements. I couldn’t be more thankful for this gym and its people for being a very big part of my recovery journey. Above all else, I wouldn’t be where I am in my recovery without Chrissy by my side encouraging me, pushing me, and believing in me and my recovery more than I have myself at times.
I’ve been a registered sleep technologist at Saint Francis Hospital for 19 years and can honestly say I love what I do. If you’re on a CPAP or not feeling rested, I’m your girl for all the questions!
Outside of the gym, I spend most of my time at any of my nine nieces and nephews’ activities. I’m also about to be a great aunt! They are some of the most important people in my life, and I love being able to show up for them and encourage them in all that they love to do.
I’m a huge Chicago Cubs fan and enjoy getting to Chicago and Wrigley Field whenever I can. Chicago is our favorite non-beach destination. Whenever we get a chance, traveling and vacationing to beach destinations are—and always have been—a favorite of mine. Give me sunshine and ocean waves and I can truly relax.
Of course, I can’t leave out that I’m a former Division I athlete and played softball at Oklahoma State. I love any and all things Cowboys and Cowgirls!
Outside of CrossFit, what are some of your favorite hobbies, talents, or skills?
I enjoy playing card games and watching pretty much any sporting event that I can find. I love spending time with my family, friends, and my dog.
If you could create your own WOD, what would it be?
Man, if I could create my own WOD… I love deadlifts, so that would definitely have to be included! I’d also throw in some dumbbell snatches (50#) and toes-to-bar. I like a short and sweet WOD—go fast and recover after. I’ll leave the running and cardio machines for someone else’s WODs!
Who do you love training next to and why?
I love training with our 4:30 crew as a whole. We have a blast but also work hard. We pick each other up when needed but also push each other to be our best.
What’s your proudest moment or biggest accomplishment since joining?
My proudest moment since joining the gym is probably the first time I was able to do box jumps again, and that’s just the first thing. As I’ve healed and gone through recovery, everything that I have gotten back to has been monumental for me.
There are still some things that I haven’t gotten back yet, but I’ll keep working through recovery and pushing myself, and I’m confident those other things will also come with time. Injury recovery isn’t linear and isn’t quick, but in time I hope to push myself to do all the things I could before surgery and do them pain-free.
What’s your go-to pump-up song right now?
“Eye of the Tiger.” I would say that during WODs I don’t hear too much, but if it’s got a good beat and covers my heavy breathing, I’m there for it. Darius takes care of us with all the great beats!
Cardio or Lifting?
LIFTING 100%!
What’s your CrossFit spirit animal?
This is a tough one. I’m going to say a tiger. I feel like they fight fiercely but also love and protect their families and tribe just as fiercely. I truly love seeing others’ successes and am always willing to help and encourage in any way that I can. Mess with anyone in my tribe and I will protect them fiercely.
Any fun facts or something most people at the gym might not know about you?
When I was young, my dream job was to be a trash man. I wanted to ride on the back of the truck and wear a backwards trucker hat. I would sit in a chair in my driveway on my little red wire chair and wait for them to come by to grab the trash with my backwards trucker hat on.
I can also do a pretty good Donald Duck impersonation that the kiddos usually love.
What advice would you give someone who is considering starting at CrossFit Eclipse?
My advice to someone looking to join Eclipse would be: get ready to have the most amazing people in your corner.
When you step foot in this gym, you aren’t just a number—you are a part of their family. I think that’s what I like most about it. No person left behind. They will meet you where you are and help you get to any goal you have in mind.
You don’t have to be in shape to start, and you’ll have the best cheering squad behind you. The coaches here truly care about YOU and are open and available to help in any way they can without making you feel like you’re a burden. They are the example of what CrossFit coaches should be.