Jenni Heinser will be joining the Raleigh CrossFit coaching team this week. She moves from athlete to coach after dedicating herself to not only improving her athleticism, but also her own personal life. Jenni has spent the last year and half with us as an athlete and while not inside the walls of the gym, she has re-entered the scholastic world, going back to school in order to pursue a career in physical therapy.
Prior to her arrival in Raleigh, Jenni grew up in Miami, Fla, where she honed her tennis skills under the watchful eye of her father. Her skills led her to earn a Division 1 tennis scholarship at the University of San Francisco where she later graduated Summa Cum Laude (GPA of just under 4.0) with a degree in Business Administration. Not only was she a scholar in the classroom, but Jenni also padded her honor belt with several athletic achievements, to include West Coast Conference Newcomer of the Year, 3-time WCC Player of the Year and WCC Female Athlete of the Year. Prior to establishing a memorable collegiate career, she played professionally in the junior circuit, which was highlighted by competing in all four junior Grand Slams, advancing to the quarterfinals in doubles at Wimbledon.
Jenni is not new to the coaching ranks. After graduating from college, she earned her United States Professional Tennis Association Under 10 coaching certification and coached at the San Francisco Tennis Club for 6 months.
“It was not a hard decision to bring Jenni on as a coach with us. Jenni has demonstrated her willingness to listen as an athlete, dedicating herself to improve in all areas since starting with us an athlete in March 2016. Since then she really connected with the coaches in terms of her positive attitude, friendly demeanor, sense of humor and willingness to extend herself beyond our classes, taking part in several community events and always being supportive of others. She will be a great asset to our coaching arsenal, taking both her background as a high-caliber athlete, but also as a pursuer of excellence in all areas of life. She is a leader and role model, exactly what we strive to be here at Raleigh CrossFit.”
-Chennelle, Owner and Coach at Raleigh CrossFit
With Jenni joining the coaching team soon, you will begin seeing her off the floor as an athlete and more often with a red coaching shirt on. As that occurs, please read more about Jenni below.
Based on your initial experience and conversation with us, how do you see yourself with our Raleigh CrossFit community?
“I’d like to think that I fit right in with the Raleigh CrossFit community. When Scott and I moved to Raleigh almost two years ago, we didn’t know anyone here and it was so amazing to feel like I belonged right away. Everyone is so welcoming, positive, and inspiring. Not only does everyone want to better themselves in the gym when they are there, they are doing great things outside of the gym as well. I love that the Raleigh CrossFit community will come together to support initiatives like Barbell for Boobs and helped those during the big Raleigh fire.”
Name some aspects of coaching that you enjoy and why.
I enjoy coaching because I like being around people with similar interests. It’s a fun environment where everyone is there to get in a good workout and get stronger.
I also like helping people, which ties into the biggest aspect of coaching that I enjoy – watching athletes grow and improve. When I give an athlete a cue and it finally clicks for them or when they get a PR they’ve been working hard on, it’s special and such a great feeling. To think I had a small part in it is very rewarding.
Welcome to the Coaching Team Jenni!
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