Tis the season. Now that the holiday season is in full swing, I wanted to talk about a few things that are going on in the facility and in the community.

As the weather changes and the year ends, so do some chapters in books. Some of you may know that Coach Austin has now moved on to a different job opportunity. This was bittersweet for me as I have nurtured this amazing young man’s career from the time he was a student of mine at LWIT. Austin took a position at Seattle Children’s Sports Therapy department, and we wish him all the success and best wishes. But as one door closes, another opens. I have conducted a few interviews the past few weeks and had some great potential replacements. It’s with great pleasure that I announce our newest coach!

Please help me welcome Johnathan Navarro to the squad! Johnny and I first met at Jackson High School where he is a paraeducator and football coach for the C team. He is also alumni of Jackson and played his colligate ball at Central Washington University. While at Central, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management specializing in Coaching in 2022 and recently completed his Masters in Sport Athletic Administration. Johnny started training with to get him ready to play in his second season with the Washington Wolfpack, a professional Arena Football League team based out of Everett. His passion for sports and willingness to grow a strong team made the decision to hire him a no-brainer. We are honored to have you, Johnny! Look for him to start this week and working the evenings in December.

Let’s clarify a few other big-ticket items. In last month’s email, I said that we were potentially moving locations. You all have heard the saga I have been experiencing with my current landlord, and probably tired of hearing about it by now. In my ambition, I said that we would be closing on a space close to here, but that negotiation fell through. Moving at any time is stressful, especially during the cold, wet, and busy season of the holidays, but after careful analysis of the current market, I have made a decision. I can safely say now that we will be staying here in this location! It was not an easy decision to make, but it was the right one to make amends, bite the bullet, and keep us locked into this location for another year.

Staying here comes with some consequences. The price of convenience comes with some additional expenses. It’s unfortunate to say, but I will have to raise my prices a bit to recoup the cost. It’s been two years since I have had to raise my rates as I have tried to keep training affordable for my patrons, but starting February 1, a nominal rate increase will be in effect. I will have the new rate sheet to you all soon, and I am hoping that this increase does not cause a burden to your own financial obligations.

Back to the good and fun stuff! We have some new hoodies coming! Let me know if you would like to pre-purchase one. Starting in January, we will also be starting a few campaigns to increase membership such as “Bring a Friend” and referral kickbacks! Stay tuned.

Until we see each other again, I hope that you all continue to thrive in the remaining days of 2024. As we look ahead to 2025, I am excited for your growth as well as the continued opportunity for improvement!

Love you all

Fed