get to know me

Hi! I'm Rachel (they/them) and I LOVE strength coaching! I began formally coaching in 2022, but for years prior my friends at the gym were asking me for technique and programming advice- once I put two and two together, I realized that coaching was the final puzzle piece that had been missing from my lifting obsession. I have since helped dozens of athletes build confidence in the gym and *knocks on wood* every single client I've coached has PR-ed at every single meet they've competed in (this is pretty mind blowing to me). I am truly, 1000% dedicated to my athletes' success and longevity in this strength sports and nothing makes me happier than to see queer and trans folks thrive on the platform. You belong here!

Injury rehabilitation and prevention is a passion of mine within strength coaching. I injured my lumbar spine in 2023, right after qualifing for my first pro meet, and spent a lot of time, money, and energy trying to maintain my training intensity while also figuring out what went wrong. For better or for worse, this injury was a catalyst into becoming an expert on corrective biomechanics, bracing, rooting, nervous system regulation, and movement adaptations & modifications. I have hosted several local and virtual workshops on correct bracing technique as well as supported clients to heal from & continue safelty training amid ligament tears, disc injuries, tendinitis, nerve injuries, TBIs, and chronic pain.

I have been deeply and loudly involved in the advocacy movement for trans inclusion in strength sports since 2017. I have directed two meets and volunteered at countless trans-inclusive meets in the Pacific Northwest, specifically with Fear Her Fight Athletics, Rain City Powerlifting Union (of Rain City Fit), and Prism Moves gym. I sponsored my first meet as Queer Strength PDX with Strength for All Bodies in Denver, Colorado in June of 2023. Additionally, I have worked in partnership with Athlete Ally and the WRPF (World Raw Powerlifting Federation) to draft trans-inclusive policy language for powerlifting competitions, and informally advising the Powerlifting United (PLU) federation to create a  competitive nonbinary gender division. I also helped write and edit Strength For All Bodies' Guide to Hosting an Inclusive Powerlifting Meet publication in 2022. 

I have been competing in Powerlifting since 2017 and in Strongman since 2025. . According to some classifications, I am considered an "international elite" powerlifter in the 181lb/82.5kg weight class and have competed both nationally and at the pro level in multiple federations. Prior to lifting, I competed in long distance running, snowboarding, swimming, diving, gymnastics, and lacrosse, and I have a black belt in taekwondo. Sometimes you can find me dabbling in Olympic weightlifting during my training deload weeks. I am also an avid Bikram-style hot yoga practicioner, which has been a significant factor in healing my back. Sports have always been a central part of my life, but when I found barbell training, I found true love and haven't looked back since.