Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlene Lee.
Hi Marlene, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I decided to enter the fitness and sports industry after graduating high school. I was fortunate to get an internship and then be hired at a sports performance facility back in VA. During the 3.5 years I worked there, I worked with various clients and athletes. The last year I worked there, I was able to be a head coach on Pride Girl’s Lacrosse out of D.C.. working with those girls gave me a lot of inspiration and realization that more women need to be represented in this industry. I wasn’t happy with my work environment anymore or the area, so I took a leap of faith, drove from Virginia to Kansas City, and started working at Redline Athletics in Lee’s summit. I also have clients who I coach outside of the facility, running my own independent business.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
Not the smoothest being a female in this industry has a lack of respect and understanding. I came from an environment with men who created a completely inappropriate environment for not only the female coaches but the female athletes as well. Seeing these female athletes not being respected or protected was frustrating and infuriating. I couldn’t take it anymore, and that’s why I left.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am an athletic performance coach. I work with athletes from elementary school to minor league level to enhance performance within their sport. That includes speed, power, strength, and injury prevention work. Something that I work hard at is being very versatile. I work hard at being able to work with all sports and all athletes. I do not want to be in any niche or category. I am proud outside of working with athletes, I worked with a girl with a cognitive disorder. She couldn’t walk or run properly. She couldn’t skip or jump due to this disorder. There was a disconnect between firing nerves from her brain to her limbs, almost like a coordination issue. I coached her for a year, and she successfully could run on a treadmill, jump, skip, and move freely without issues. It was a huge accomplishment that I am extremely proud of.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Having a boss who supports you and empowers you to be dynamic and genuine in this field is rare. My biggest mentors in this industry have been multiple coaches. My main mentor is Phil Padilla; he is currently my boss and has recently influenced my career. He has shown me how to balance motivating and keeping the athletes on track while supporting them and always providing a positive experience. Before I moved and started my career Dan Prenatt, Batchka Zulkhuu, and Abigail Lenderman were all significant influences and shaped me as a coach. I am very grateful for all three of them in different ways. Lastly, my mom has always been my ride-or-die; no matter my decision, she has always had my back. She raised my siblings and me by herself and taught me what hard work and perseverance mean.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://redlineathletics.com/lees-summit/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Qiigo
- Instagram: trainwlee_
Image Credits
Redline Athletics.
