Each month we spotlight a different CFA athlete who stands out and shows just how awesome they are. What is it that makes up an Athlete of the Month? It may not be the person that finishes the fastest, Rx’s every WOD, or gets a PR every time they walk in the gym. Although we love and celebrate when those things happen, the Athlete of the Month is made up of much more than physical ability. This person shows up, gives their best every time, and then gives a little more. They are hungry to learn and always ready to do the work. They support their fellow classmates and encourage them to reach their goals. This athlete embodies what we believe the CrossFit Austin Community should be about.
This month, we are honored to recognize Mandy as our September Athlete of the Month!
Mandy may be one of the quieter folks in our 7:30am class, but she is one of our most consistent. For years, she has been a steady presence in that early morning crew, showing up roughly twice a week and putting in the work. Along the way, she’s built a little community of good friends and fellow regulars in class, and while she may not seek the spotlight, she has absolutely earned this recognition.
Mandy has also been through more than her fair share at a relatively young age. She has bravely navigated some significant health challenges, and even after coming through some incredibly difficult circumstances, she continues to show up and find a way to keep moving forward. In this season of her life, she has been working toward something harder than simply pushing harder: finding a sustainable way to take care of herself while navigating circumstances that don’t always make that easy.
And then there’s Mandy’s strength. She is stronger and more capable than she thinks she is—partly because she rarely goes looking for her limits. 
She is a stickler for good form (which we love!), and she can sometimes be a little hesitant to add weight. But when we make her do it, she almost always proves that she is more than capable of handling it while maintaining that excellent form. We’ll keep working on convincing her to give herself a little more credit.
Mandy is kind, coachable, consistent, and committed. She doesn’t need to be the loudest person in the room to make an impact. She keeps showing up, putting in the work, and moving forward, even when the path isn’t always easy. Mandy, we are so proud to have you as part of our community. Your resilience, consistency, and strength deserve to be celebrated, and we hope this honor reminds you of something we already know: you are capable of far more than you give yourself credit for.
State your Name and/or Nickname please:Mandy Words to live by?If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. What is your fitness background?I studied it through college and played college softball! I have always loved movement and fitness. How long have you been CrossFitting?Since 2020 on and off😊 Take us back to your first day of CrossFit… How did you feel? How do you compare it to workouts today?It was a bit intimidating, but I have always enjoyed learning new skills. In softball, I really enjoyed being a student of the game, and I feel like that mindset has naturally carried over into CrossFit. I love learning the Olympic lifts, gymnastics movements, and all the different skills that come with CrossFit. It’s exciting to constantly have something new to work on and, hopefully, one day master! What’s your favorite part of CrossFit Austin?My 730am crew! Emily and Ray are my fitness besties. Coach Heidi is also someone I am immensely grateful for. Current Training Goals/PRs?Do an unassisted pull up one day! What advice do you have for folks just starting out in CrossFit?Everybody is still learning, and it is a privilege to find something that challenges you. How do you balance staying focused on training when life gets busy?Take it day by day and be easy on yourself! We are all doing our best. What is your “cheat meal” go-to?Mexican food and margaritas! How do you use your fitness outside of the gym?To carry my 50lb luggage across the world😂 What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your fitness journey?The past year or two have probably been some of the most challenging years of my life, with a cancer diagnosis, surgery, and the recovery that followed. I’m still working on finding consistency again and learning to trust my body, which has been a journey in itself. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m getting there, one step at a time. CFA has been such an incredible source of support and community throughout this experience, and I’m so grateful to have had that during such a challenging season of my life. When I came back after surgery, Ray and Emily met me in the parking lot with hugs, and the 730am crew clapped as I walked into the gym! Still makes me tear up thinking about it. Tell us about a moment you felt most proud of yourself during a workout.The first time I had the right timing and movement pattern for a kipping pull up! If you could create a WOD and name it for yourself, what would it be?Anything with cleans, snatches, and the bike. Nothing to do with burpees and jump rope. What keeps you going on the days you don’t feel like it?I try to remind myself that movement is a privilege. And when that doesn’t work, I know Emily will be at the workout—which means I have to show up too, lol. What are your hobbies, interests and/or talents outside of CrossFit?I’m a physical therapist, I have two dogs that are my world, and I love traveling with my husband. Tell us something we don’t know about you.I’m currently learning to speak Spanish! Leave the fine folks of CrossFit Austin with some parting words…There will be tough seasons in life—seasons that challenge us, stretch us, and remind us just how strong we can be. But you don’t have to go through them alone. Surround yourself with a community that lifts you up and believe in yourself even when it’s hard. Most importantly, be kind. You never truly know what someone else is carrying behind the scenes. A little compassion, encouragement, or simply showing up for someone can mean more than you realize. |
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