Episode 41: Getting to Know Coach Nicci: From Saskatchewan to Surfing and CrossFit

MVMNT4LIFE

MVMNT4LIFE Podcast Show Notes
Episode Title: Getting to Know Coach Nicci: From Saskatchewan to Surfing and CrossFit

Host: Kolby Krystofik, Owner of Oxnard|MVMNT
Guest: Coach Nicci, Oxnard|MVMNT Coach
Website: www.oxnardmvmnt.com

Episode Overview:
In this episode, Kolby sits down with Coach Nicci, Oxnard|MVMNT’s youngest coach. Listeners will follow Nicci's journey from a small-town life in Canada to becoming a coach in California. Nicci shares her experiences growing up on a farm, competing in track and field, transitioning to life on the West Coast, and how she fell in love with the ocean and CrossFit. Nicci also opens up about becoming a CrossFit coach, her passion for fitness, and balancing coaching with her nursing studies.

Key Topics Covered:

Life in Small-Town Canada:

• Nicci grew up in Delmoni, Saskatchewan, a town of 2,000 people.
• She shares childhood memories of raising animals on her family’s farm and working on a dairy farm, including chaotic moments like when the cows escaped!

Track and Field & Pole Vaulting:

• Nicci competed in track and field, starting as a sprinter and hurdler before transitioning to pole vaulting.
• She enjoyed the complexity of pole vaulting, as it constantly challenged her to improve.

The Unexpected Path to California:

• After considering university for track and field, Nicci decided to join Youth with a Mission (YWAM) in Australia, where she met her now-husband, Johnny.
• Nicci shares how her career plans shifted from physical therapy to coaching and nursing, and her transition from landlocked Saskatchewan to the beaches of California.

Becoming a Surfer and Ocean Swimmer:

• Nicci first saw the ocean at age 14, struggled with swimming, but grew to love the water after moving to California and meeting Johnny.
• Determined to improve, Nicci joined the Ventura College swim team and eventually passed the challenging Los Angeles County Ocean Lifeguard Test.

Coaching at Oxnard|MVMNT:

• Nicci got involved in CrossFit after meeting Kolby through mutual lifeguard connections and quickly fell in love with the sport.
• After completing the Oxnard|MVMNT Coaches Development Program (CDP), Nicci talks about the challenges and rewards of the intensive training process, which led to her transformation, including gaining 25 pounds of muscle through hard work and nutrition.

The Transition to Nursing:

• Initially pursuing physical therapy, Nicci pivoted to nursing after realizing coaching fulfilled many of the roles she envisioned for herself.
• Nicci is preparing to start nursing school at Moorpark College while continuing to coach and share her passion for fitness.

Takeaways:

• Perseverance Through Change: From small-town life to global adventures, Nicci’s story is a testament to resilience and embracing new challenges.
• Dedication to Self-Improvement: Whether learning to surf or gaining muscle through CrossFit, Nicci demonstrates the importance of persistence and growth.
• Balancing Passions: Nicci’s journey shows how you can balance multiple passions, from fitness to nursing, while helping others along the way.

Connecting:

If you’d like to connect with Nicci for questions about CrossFit, nursing, or even babysitting, you can reach her on Instagram.

Connect with Nicci:

Instagram: @nicolehirn