Emily Noel

My whole life, I have always been involved in competitive sports. When I was young, I tried almost every team sport, most of the time playing multiple sports in one season. As I got older, I naturally chose the sports I was best at and loved the most to commit myself to.  I was most passionate about lacrosse, playing from 6th gradeall the waythrough college. I continue to coach lacrosse and develop young players and high school players in the Orlando area. After I graduated college, it took me a while to find CrossFit. I played in a lot of adult sports leagues and finally found CrossFit. Once I joined CrossFit it was an immediate obsession. I made my fitness and health a priority instead of a side hobby in my already busy life. I was drawn in by the competitive aspect but I have stayed for the community that CrossFit provides. I was so inspired by the coaches I had along my journey, that I wanted to provide and be that same support for other members of the CrossFit community.

At the beginning of February 2023, I tore my ACL and it has had a huge impact on how I view CrossFit. Before my injury, I was training all the time and was continuously trying to better myself for the sport of CrossFit. I loved competing in local competitions and signing up for the CrossFit Open. Over the past year, I havereallyreflected on my journey in CrossFit and how I want to proceed in this sport. It brings me back to the saying "CrossFit is for everyone". Days after I had major surgery, I was still at the gym and doing everything my body was capable of safely still doing. It is easy to get injured and be done completely with fitness because it seems impossible. One of my favorite things about CrossFit is that every movement can be scaled and tailored to allow ANYONE to complete it. I have realized that I may not want to be competitive in CrossFit anymore and that's okay. I will still show up and use the CrossFit training regimen to keep my body moving and healthy. I believe that is the most important thing.