Hi, I’m Karla — a sports performance coach with a background in Behavior and Health, committed to helping individuals grow into stronger, more resilient versions of themselves, whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just beginning your performance journey. My experience spans collegiate athletics and the private sector, where I’ve worked with people striving to perform at a high level, whether in sport, work, or life.
I believe true performance goes beyond physical ability. It’s built on a foundation of mental clarity, emotional regulation, and intentional movement. My approach blends physical training with strategies that support recovery, stress management, and mental resilience, recognizing that how we feel and think impacts how we move and perform. I’m equally passionate about using science-backed methods and applying data-driven insights to guide both training decisions and performance outcomes.
Rooted in a holistic, person-centered approach, I believe that performance training should not only maximize output and reduce the risk of injury, but also support the individual’s overall well-being. This means designing programs with purpose, tailored to a person’s performance goals, training history, and mental and emotional readiness. It means coaching with empathy, holding high standards, and building trust.
Alongside my work in the field, I’m deeply interested in research that explores the intersection of physical performance, behavior, and mental health. I strive to bridge the gap between science and practice, integrating evidence-based strategies that help individuals move well, think critically, recover smart, and show up at their best both in sport and everyday life.
Strength & Power Development
Mobility & Recovery Strategies
Female Athlete Empowerment
Stress Management/Education
Energy System Development/Conditioning
Athlete Education & Behavior Change Strategies
<aside> <img src="/icons/invitation_pink.svg" alt="/icons/invitation_pink.svg" width="40px" /> [email protected]
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<aside> <img src="/icons/phone-call_pink.svg" alt="/icons/phone-call_pink.svg" width="40px" /> 240-506-9491
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<aside> <img src="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/instagram-new.png" alt="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/instagram-new.png" width="40px" /> Powerlifting
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<aside> <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/92/d1/db/92d1db1521d374335498624cc95e9554.jpg" alt="https://i.pinimg.com/736x/92/d1/db/92d1db1521d374335498624cc95e9554.jpg" width="40px" />
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<aside> <img src="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/diploma.png" alt="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/diploma.png" width="40px" /> NSCA CSCS- in progress
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<aside> <img src="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/diploma.png" alt="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/diploma.png" width="40px" /> CPR/AED/First AID
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<aside> <img src="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/diploma.png" alt="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/diploma.png" width="40px" /> NASM Certified Group Fitness Instructor
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<aside> <img src="/icons/graduate_pink.svg" alt="/icons/graduate_pink.svg" width="40px" /> Boston University
B.S. in Behavior & Health
May 2025
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<aside> <img src="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/time.png" alt="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/time.png" width="40px" /> Harvard University Harvard University Athletic Department (Jan 2025 - May 2025)
At Harvard University, I had the opportunity to work closely with strength and conditioning coaches, contributing to the design and delivery of training programs for all 42 varsity teams.
This hands-on experience deepened my understanding of athletic development across a wide range of sports and performance levels. While immersed in this environment, I was also actively studying for my CSCS certification, which allowed me to bridge theory with real-time coaching.
My role wasn’t just about physical training, it was about helping athletes show up with intention, build resilience, and connect their physical preparation to their mental edge.
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<aside> <img src="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/time.png" alt="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/time.png" width="40px" /> University of Maryland- College Park The University of Maryland Athletic Department (May 2024 - August 2024)
During my time with the University of Maryland’s strength and conditioning staff, I played an active role in designing and delivering strength and conditioning programs across multiple sports. From leading lifts to facilitating conditioning sessions, I learned to balance technical precision with athlete engagement, creating an environment where performance and safety worked hand in hand.
I also had the opportunity to work with advanced sports science technology including Vitruve VBT, VALD force plates, and Catapult monitoring systems. Gaining hands-on experience with these tools helped me understand how to turn data into actionable insights, improving performance while staying grounded in the human side of coaching.
This experience strengthened my ability to coach with both intent and impact, bridging physical preparation with performance feedback in real time.
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<aside> <img src="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/time.png" alt="https://img.icons8.com/ios/250/FFFFFF/time.png" width="40px" /> Soldierfit Soldierfit Gaithersburg (May 2021 - May 2025)
Soldierfit was where I first discovered my passion for human performance and athlete development. As a Group Fitness Instructor, I led high-intensity, military-inspired training sessions for individuals of all skill levels, from beginners just starting their fitness journey to seasoned athletes looking to push their limits.
The environment demanded both structure and adaptability. I designed and coached dynamic, results-driven workouts while motivating a wide range of personalities, and foster a sense of community and accountability.
What started as coaching physical movement quickly became something deeper. It was about helping people show up for themselves, push through mental barriers, and embrace discomfort in pursuit of growth. This foundation continues to shape the way I approach performance coaching today.
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