Coaches

{Head Coach Morgan}

• USA Triathlon Certified Coach, Level 1  
• Playtri Lead Developmental Coach
• Experienced youth and collegiate triathlon coach
• Head Coach Team Playtri Kids and Team Playtri Elite
• Playtri Certified Expert Run Coach 
• Expert Author for the USA Triathlon Multisport Lab Online Publication
• USA Triathlon SMW Region Council Member

Morgan has been competing in triathlons for 4 years, and has been swimming and running since she was 4.  She has completed multiple 70.3 distance races, earned a national title and, most recently, earned a spot on Team USA.  Her current goal is qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in 2013.  Previously, she was a competitive mid-distance runner and recreational swimmer and cyclist.  Since she began coaching three years ago, she has coached UNT through two USAT Collegiate National Championships and has had many of her athletes earn spots on Team USA.  In addition, she has worked with numerous youth and junior athletes, including many who are competitive at a national level with USAT and IronKids.

Her passion is youth and junior athletes, and her background in education has helped her immensely in working with younger triathletes.  She continues to research and study the intricacies of youth and developmental coaching, and is excited and honored to be the first Playtri Lead Developmental Coach.

Morgan's coaching philosophy is to use the available research and science, but to remain flexible, remembering that each athlete is an individual with individual goals.  She enjoys working with beginners and elites alike, and likes the different challenges that each group present.

Her favorite colors are blue and yellow.

{Assistant Coach Jen}

Jen comes to Playtri with an extensive swimming background. Eight-time NCAA All-American, 2008 US National Champion, Olympic Trials competitor, former American Record holder - and now Playtri Athlete and Coach.

Jen has a passion for competition, and a working knowledge of elite youth training and competition. She enjoys studying nutrition and sport, reading, and spending time with her husband Kevin and their two dogs: Duke and Beau.

{Assistent Coach Sam}

Athletic Experience

• Qualified for 2012 HyVee Nationals in Iowa
• Multiple age group podium finishes
• 3 years of triathlon experience
• Completed first triathlon at age 14
• Began Racing ITU Draft legal races

I am a firm believer in health. I started in endurance sports at the age of 13 doing my first 5k. Early the next year I did my first marathon. Injury and illness plagued me during my first 2 years in endurance sports, almost giving up the sport altogether after struggling with burn out. I then found Playtri in my 2nd year of racing and found balance and built strong character guided by triathlon. My goal now is to teach others the joy and strong character that a healthy life style provides.