Athlete of the Month

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

Hi! I’m Emersen, and I’m a senior nursing student at the University of Tennessee, go Vols!!!! I graduate in May and will be working as a Women’s Health nurse either in Labor & Delivery or Postpartum.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH CROSSFIT FIRST CREEK?

I started in January 2025 and come everyday while I’m here at school. I come back as soon as I’m back in town from breaks because I miss it so much.

WHAT MADE YOU START CROSSFIT? WHAT HAS KEPT YOU DOING IT? HAS YOUR MOTIVATION CHANGED SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED?

I started CrossFit after I had to stop rowing at UT because of nursing school. One of my old coaches always talked about how much she loved CrossFit and how it was a great transition for former athletes who still wanted to train hard and be part of a group. What has kept me coming back is the environment. I love that the workouts are always different, that there is always something to work toward, and that you can actually see your progress over time. I appreciate that you can look back to see how much stronger you can lift but also the skills that I used to struggle with I can do consistently now. I also love how motivating and encouraging everyone is. Everyone wants to see each other succeed.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED SINCE JOINING CFFC?

I’ve learned that progress takes time and consistency, and that everyone moves at their own pace. I’ve also learned not to be afraid to ask questions or admit when something doesn’t feel right or when something just seems scary to try. CrossFit this past year has shown me that little steps forward every single day add up to so much progress in only a year of doing it.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST CROSSFIT MOMENT?

My proudest CrossFit moment was getting my first strict pull-up. I worked on it for years and honestly had moments where I didn’t think it was ever going to happen. When I finally got it, I was so excited! Now I’m starting to work on kipping pull-ups and being able to do workouts I used to have to scale, which I’m really proud of myself for.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LIFT, MOVEMENT, OR WOD? LEAST FAVORITE?

My favorite workouts are partner workouts. I love being competitive, cheering people on, and talking a little trash depending on the day. My least favorite movements are deadlifts and handstand pushups, but I’m working on them and hoping one day I’ll learn to love them.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT CFFC OR JUST CROSSFIT IN GENERAL?

The people! Everyone is so positive, encouraging, and fun to be around. It’s my favorite part of the day. I love that we can all push each other, laugh, and still compete in a supportive way. It really feels like a little family!

WHAT IMPACT HAS CROSSFIT HAD ON YOU IN AND OUT OF THE GYM?

CrossFit has given me an outlet outside of nursing school. It’s the one hour of my day that’s just for me to move and not think about exams or clinicals. It helped me transition after rowing and keeps me active even with a busy and unpredictable schedule. I love that I can fit in a workout no matter what time of day because of the flexible class times.

WHAT ARE YOUR CROSSFIT GOALS? HOW CLOSE ARE YOU TO REACHING THEM?

My main goal is to get better at gymnastics movements. I’ve always been comfortable with lifting, but gymnastics were completely new to me. I want to keep progressing and learning new skills. I had a dream that I could handstand walk, so maybe that’s next, even though I’m definitely not there yet. Also, I want to be fit for my future family! #fitmom #fitgranny

WHEN YOU ARE NOT CROSSFITTING, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO?

When I’m not at the gym, I’m usually doing something social or on the go. I love spending time with friends, selfcare, shopping too much, and going on random little outings. I also serve at my church as a 6th grade girls leader, which I absolutely love. It’s one of the highlights of my week… middle and high schoolers are hilarious. But, If I’m being honest, my favorite place in the world is the beach. Any chance I get to be near the ocean, I’m there. It’s my happy place. It’s my favorite thing to do!

WHAT IS ONE FUN THING ABOUT YOU THAT WE MAY NOT KNOW YET?

I have a very athletic, tall, and fit family! My mom is a strength coach, and one of the reasons I do CrossFit is to try to keep up with her. My dad is 6’8 and still dunks on me!!

WHAT IS THE ONE TIP YOU’D GIVE SOMEONE CONSIDERING CROSSFIT OR WHO IS NEW TO CROSSFIT?

I would definitely tell them to just try it. It can seem intimidating at first, especially for girls our age, but it’s such a welcoming environment. One of my favorite things is bringing friends to class and watching them realize how fun it actually is. The all-girls intro class was one of my favorite classes I’ve had at First Creek!

WHAT IS YOUR DIET LIKE? HAS IT CHANGED SINCE STARTING CROSSFIT? WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WORKOUT FUEL?

My diet is honestly all over the place. I love cooking and trying new recipes, especially sourdough, but I also eat out a lot because of school. I try to focus on protein, but balance is key. My favorite workout fuel is chocolate chip pancakes or Nerd Clusters!