Sound Sports Performance and Training Year in Review 2023
With the holiday season wrapped up and almost 365 days ahead of us in 2024, I (like many of you) reflect on the year that was. I like to take a moment to remember the “Why”. “Why” is what keeps us pushing forward on our goals. “Why” is what gets us excited. It is what pushes us to a point of being uncomfortable so that we evolve into a better version of ourselves tomorrow than we were today. For these reasons, I want to thank you all, discuss and correct our shortcomings, as well as celebrate our successes. I write these words to hopefully get you all to see that this is more than just a fitness business, but a community that cares for each other.
This year has not been easy for a lot of us. We lost some beautiful souls and grieved. I can say that as a whole, we have been there for each other to reassure that no matter the tough times, we got your back and love you through it all. We have also added some new members, both human and furry friends. As soon as both are potty trained, let’s get them in the mix of training (or just some high caliber cheek pinching!)
Speaking of additions, we officially have an Assistant Coach in Austin Dalit. For those who have not met Austin yet, you will. He is an amazing young man who’s “stock is rising” due to almost being done with his BS in Kinesiology, winter internship at the University of Washington, and eventually sitting for his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Although Bree Olsen isn’t an official employee, she’s a good friend of mine that has started her own business and contracts space at the gym to train her own clients. Be nice to her too!
As for the business, we continue to prosper and grow our client base and be actively involved in the community around us. In 2023, we participated in the annual Edmonds Health and Fitness Expo. Back in May, we were contacted by the city of Edmonds to host a both at Edmonds School District Stadium as well as lead the warmup for the fun run. Well over 200 kids lined up to have me and Coach Quinten Brooks guide them through their warmup. Our booth was interactive, engaging, and fun for people of all ages thanks to some helpful volunteers (Trista Pelayo, Neeva Travis, Bianca Ritchwood, and Arie Wagonfield). Later in the year, we were afforded the opportunity to participate in the Business Impact NW Impact Pitch competition. This was not just a competition to win seed money for the business, but also offered business coaching and mentorship. Sound Sports Performance and Training survived 5 rounds of competition from over 100 businesses across three states to be named a finalist in the Established Stage category. I gave a solid pitch at the finals, but it fell just short of the grand prize of $6000, however, our marketing video was good enough to win $1000 and a year subscription to Canva Pro.
It was not all work this year. For the 2nd year in a row, we got out and watched the ponies race. “The most exciting 2 minutes in sports” got us together to watch Mage win it all at the Kentucky Derby. We reconnected with some old friends, made some new ones, wore our fancy hats, drank some mint julips, and gave away some fun prizes to the winners. The summer brought us together again for paddleboarding on Lake Washington. There is nothing like sun, bbq, and good company to complete a perfect summer afternoon!
This year also brought some personal accomplishments that bleed into the business achievements. In April, I was named as the Washington State Director for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. With this newfound responsibility, several career advancement opportunities have also come of it. One of the responsibilities of this volunteer position is to host a state clinic each year in various locations throughout the state. In October, we hosted a phenomenal clinic out at Central Washington University. We have over 80 in attendance with 6 guest presenters which resulted in a “statistically excellent” clinic and 8 hours of continued education. The NSCA also allowed me to be part of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mentorship program. This program's purpose is to give underrepresented young professionals the chance to learn about the inner working of the NSCA and accelerate their leadership opportunities within the NSCA. Other personal accomplishments include more opportunities to coach athletes. I was hired as an assistant cross-country coach for Edmonds College and a strength and conditioning coach for Henry Jackson High School in Mill Creek.
Speaking of our athletes, let’s give a big round of applause for those participating in sports both at the youth and masters levels! We have about 10-15 young athletes across various ages competing in sports such as baseball, softball, lacrosse, basketball, track and field, cross country, wrestling, volleyball and football. For some, their skills earned them a sport on their respected varsity teams. Some even got their first letter to put on their jackets. Congratulations to Quinten Brooks at Bothell High School for making it to the state finals in cross country, Neeva Travis for making the varsity volleyball team at Edmonds Woodway, and Owen Boswell for earning two letters at Mountlake Terrace High School! Some athletes are still competing in recreation leagues. Colby Allen wanted to be more explosive in rugby, and I am happy to report that his sesaon went well also. It wasn’t just the youngsters who compete. I always love hearing that Doug and Linda Corburn and Julianne Tosaya are still actively competing in masters level volleyball, and their training keeps them injury free.
With 2023 in the books, we look to the next year. It was a humbling experience for me to learn to be patient last year. Many of you heard my excitement as well as felt my frustration with negotiating a new lease on a new facility, but things sometimes just work out for the best. The future looks bright for us here at Sound Sports Performance and Training. I’m hoping to bring some more exciting things through the doors, host some NSCA sponsored events, as well as create more of a buzz about who we are and what we do. I would love for you to be a part of that as well by continuing to leave Google reviews, give suggestions and feedback on where we can improve, and pass the word about the family owned small businesses that I hope you all love. You can also help contribute to our success by voting us Best Fitness Center in Snohomish County by clicking on the link here:
https://vote.heraldnet.com/health/fitness-center
I thank you all again for being a part of this little community. Without you all, there is no Sound Sports Performance and Training. Cheers to 2024 and may it bring you health, wealth, and prosperity for many years to come!
Sincerely
Federick Brooks, MS, CSCS*D
Owner of Sound Sports Performance and Training
