Athlete Testimonials
I want to thank all my athletes for the opportunity to guide them and play a small role in their journey. I wish the best of luck to everyone competing this upcoming year and I am looking forward to continuing to work with all my amazing athletes!
This letter of endorsement is written on behalf of Kenrick Smith because of his skill and knowledge, as well as the positive effect I believe he will have on athletes.
I enlisted the services of Kenrick for both swim lessons and athletic coaching when I registered for a triathlon with only six weeks to prepare. Kenrick specifically tailored workouts to my athletic ability and time available to train that allowed me the successfully reach my fitness goals. In addition to his training and fitness counsel, Kenrick has proven to be capable at assisting me through the mental and psychological hurdles I had to cross while taking on a challenge far out of my comfort zone.
Kenrick has demonstrated good leadership abilities, patience with me as an amateur athlete, and punctual delivery of workout schedules. He has shown a genuine interest and concern for me individually, and has always made me feel as though my success was important to him. Open communication and prompt response to any questions and concerns I expressed has also shown Kenrick's commitment to me as an athlete.
During our time together and conversations we have had Kenrick has shared his passion for fitness and triathlon racing and his desire to be able to share that with others. With his confidence, dedication, and high level of performance as an endurance athlete, I believe Kenrick will continue to successfully coach others in the sport. I give Kenrick my highest recommendation.
~ Nanette '13
I enlisted the services of Kenrick for both swim lessons and athletic coaching when I registered for a triathlon with only six weeks to prepare. Kenrick specifically tailored workouts to my athletic ability and time available to train that allowed me the successfully reach my fitness goals. In addition to his training and fitness counsel, Kenrick has proven to be capable at assisting me through the mental and psychological hurdles I had to cross while taking on a challenge far out of my comfort zone.
Kenrick has demonstrated good leadership abilities, patience with me as an amateur athlete, and punctual delivery of workout schedules. He has shown a genuine interest and concern for me individually, and has always made me feel as though my success was important to him. Open communication and prompt response to any questions and concerns I expressed has also shown Kenrick's commitment to me as an athlete.
During our time together and conversations we have had Kenrick has shared his passion for fitness and triathlon racing and his desire to be able to share that with others. With his confidence, dedication, and high level of performance as an endurance athlete, I believe Kenrick will continue to successfully coach others in the sport. I give Kenrick my highest recommendation.
~ Nanette '13
I began taking swim lessons in March 2013 with an expectation of being decent enough to swim for 30 minutes, 3 x week. I started with one instructor, and then began working with Kenrick two months later; I was able to swim a lap or two, but it was ugly. I didn't have high hopes for much improvement, but Kenrick changed things very quickly.
Kenrick is incredibly knowledgeable about swimming technique. He breaks down kicking, strokes, breathing, and form into manageable sections, drills and analogies that I can work with. One of Kenrick's greatest strategies is to watch me swim, but he will not provide critique until I critique myself first. This forces me to truly tune into how I am performing in the water.
Once we were both comfortable with my technique, we changed our focus from lessons to training. I went from swimming 30 minutes, 3 x week, to swimming for an hour or more, 5 days a week. Kenrick prepares daily swim workouts for me that focus on distance, mid-distance, speed and drills, depending on the day. He makes himself available for questions and comments on all aspects of the workouts. Kenrick is proactive with his athletes - when he saw my dedication to swimming and becoming stronger, he suggested dryland training that would increase my strength in the pool, and improve my form as well. We added evening core and strength workouts to my daily routine and the results have been more than I could have ever expected.
Perhaps the most crucial element of training in any sport is the mental aspect. There are "off" days, days when you are injured or just plain tired. Kenrick is a master at motivating his athletes and helping them maintain a strong mind-over-matter attitude on the days when you just want to give up. Sometimes you need your coach to believe in you a little more than you believe in yourself, and that will get you over the hump. This is an invaluable trait for a trainer, and I am so fortunate to work with Kenrick who pushes me to be the best swimmer I can be every day.
Kenrick Smith is the complete package. He shares his love and passion for a healthy lifestyle with everyone he meets. In the seven months we've been working together, I've changed from a sedentary, 36-year-old wife and mother of two daughters, to a fitter, healthier woman. I am focused on taking care of myself and setting a good example for my children, which they notice and admire. Kenrick helped me change my life, and I am grateful every day.
~ Lisa '13
Kenrick is incredibly knowledgeable about swimming technique. He breaks down kicking, strokes, breathing, and form into manageable sections, drills and analogies that I can work with. One of Kenrick's greatest strategies is to watch me swim, but he will not provide critique until I critique myself first. This forces me to truly tune into how I am performing in the water.
Once we were both comfortable with my technique, we changed our focus from lessons to training. I went from swimming 30 minutes, 3 x week, to swimming for an hour or more, 5 days a week. Kenrick prepares daily swim workouts for me that focus on distance, mid-distance, speed and drills, depending on the day. He makes himself available for questions and comments on all aspects of the workouts. Kenrick is proactive with his athletes - when he saw my dedication to swimming and becoming stronger, he suggested dryland training that would increase my strength in the pool, and improve my form as well. We added evening core and strength workouts to my daily routine and the results have been more than I could have ever expected.
Perhaps the most crucial element of training in any sport is the mental aspect. There are "off" days, days when you are injured or just plain tired. Kenrick is a master at motivating his athletes and helping them maintain a strong mind-over-matter attitude on the days when you just want to give up. Sometimes you need your coach to believe in you a little more than you believe in yourself, and that will get you over the hump. This is an invaluable trait for a trainer, and I am so fortunate to work with Kenrick who pushes me to be the best swimmer I can be every day.
Kenrick Smith is the complete package. He shares his love and passion for a healthy lifestyle with everyone he meets. In the seven months we've been working together, I've changed from a sedentary, 36-year-old wife and mother of two daughters, to a fitter, healthier woman. I am focused on taking care of myself and setting a good example for my children, which they notice and admire. Kenrick helped me change my life, and I am grateful every day.
~ Lisa '13
I am not much of a writer, and have never written a letter of recommendation for anyone. I met Kenrick at ESA during a fitness class that kicked my rear. Fast forward to the tennis court at OMS, yet another butt-kicking class. He mentioned he trains athletes/runners when he heard me say my daughter was a runner. I was leary....training....money, not so interested....but Kenrick just seemed different and was not at all pushy, but more concerned.........Long story short, he started working with my then 16-year-old. I always knew my daughter had a talent for running, but she also lacked the confidence to believe in her running capabilities. Not only is Kenrick a wonderful, knowledgeable running coach, he truly has been my daughter's "therapist". Working with a 16-year-old has its challenges, beyond working around her crazy schedule, throw in hormones and lack of confidence and injuries along the way, along with some funny blooper bathroom stories, I am sure it has been quite the journey for them both. I always say they could write a book and they have been working together less than a year! And she has gotten to experience her first Triathlon as a bonus! Mikayla has gained Confidence, Mental Toughness, Strength, Determination, Drive, Willpower and Integrity, all which were hidden within her, all which were drawn out by Kenrick through his Coaching, Encouragement, Challenges and Patience. I would recommend Kenrick for his Talent as a Coach, for his Knowledge of the Sport, but more for his Patience and Kindness and his True Compassion and Caring he has for his athletes. And there is that added bonus of the support from his beautiful wife and amazing three children. My daughter has had many coaches, but none that have shown her the time and attention and true understanding of an athlete as Kenrick has. Thank you! You have opened doors for Mikayla that she would not have thought possible, you have pushed her to believe in her abilities and you have instilled in her confidence in her running abilities that only a fellow athlete could have shown her existed! For that our family is forever grateful that you have been such an integral part of Mikayla's growth in just a few short months.
~ Leandra S. '15
Some of the positive experiences K17SPORT ATHLETES have had over the years that makes me proud to be a coach:
I can't thank you enough for all your guidance, support and encouragement throughout my journey to IRONMAN! You not only got me to the finish line, but you also increased confidence along the way. Your positivity has been such a blessing in my life. Thank you so much!
Amie Y. '21 Thank you for all your help over the past year. You have taught me a lot and helped me become a better runner. `Joe P. '20 .... Feedback is the single most important factor in learning. And you are great at giving specific, detailed, and valuable feedback! Just wanted to say thanks! `Kristin C. '20 You're great at noticing the smallest elements of my mechanics. Then when we correct problems, it makes a difference. And you give me input, input, input the whole time we're working. Running around that track today, I felt I was RUNNING again for the first time in five years. ` Mark M. '20 Thank you for the awesome coaching! You helped me achieve my goal. Yay! `Marcie B. '18 I'm grateful for everything you've done for our son and will continue to be. He's the athlete that he is largely due to your inspiration/influence. You're a great role model and we're lucky to have you pushing him to achieve what he is capable of! `Dave S. '20 Thanks for a great coach and mentor - I really appreciate it! ~ John F. '16 - PA Celebrating a kick ass half marathon and PR! Awesome race weekend. Kenrick thanks for preparing me, pumping me up and boosting my confidence. I heard your words of positivity in my head the entire way. ~Kari B. '15 - PA I wanted to thank you again for your help in preparing me for my first triathlon. I had a great time in the race and look forward to competing in more in the future. Thank you for your time helping me in the pool and for getting me mentally ready to tackle the event. ~ Brad Y. '14 - PA Thank you for an incredible journey! I can't wait for more. You have a gift for pushing someone yet not overwhelming them. I have learned so much. It has been an honor working with you! Thanks Coach ~ Laura V. '14 - PA Working with Kenrick Smith has elevated my athletic confidence to levels I never imagined. I am a very self-driven age group athlete and have been nothing short of amazed at the amount of motivation he consistently provides me each week. I have a very erratic work schedule and being a single dad my workout schedule is never routine. He takes all my personal commitments into consideration and caters my workout schedule around me! I had prior to Kenrick received a phenomenal base entry in the sport of triathlon from a very reputable tri club in the valley and after some years wanted a change. I sought out Kenrick's philosophies and training regimen to take me to a higher level .With Kenrick, I have set personal bests in the Olympic distance triathlon, half marathon and 10k distances in running and anxious to train under him for 2015's Ironman 70.3 and 140.6 distance! He reviews my Garmin workouts closely and challenges me constantly to continue push myself! His frequent emails,texts and phone calls during a training week is amazing.His Support the days leading up to and the evening before a race have been soothing to any pre race anxiety one would encounter and the follow up post race dialogue is solid! It is also a pleasure to have Kenrick be a Huge advocate for strength and core training and have these detailed out in my weekly routine. ~ Kevin T. '14 - PA Who would of thought that you and I would become such athletes and reconnect some 30 years later! I cannot thank you enough for the training advice and support! I greatly appreciate it and am truly enjoying it! I cannot wait to see what Boston brings! Thanks again. ~Becky D. '15 - Texas I was thinking today about all the success I have had in my life so far and my teachers have played a big role in this, by mentoring and teaching. After I graduated from school, I never thought that I would have the opportunity to find another great teacher. But in you, I have found one. I'm very happy with the progress that I have made in swimming. Thanks for your patience and knowledge sharing. ~ Jai S. '14 - PA Thanks again for all of your support in my triathlon endeavor. It was a great experience and I learned a lot about racing. We wish you the best of luck in Kona!! ~Gretchen C. '12 - PA |
She's living her best college life!
Last week was her first full week of Team Lift. They are slow to start; they ease the girls in to prevent injury. Apparently, she already lifts the most on the team and she's holding back slightly easing in herself :) The lifting coach told her she could tell she worked hard this summer and was impressed she walked in ready for a D1 program. THANK YOU! Michelle C. '21 I can't tell you how impressed I am with your thoroughness, insight, and overall professionalism. I am so glad you had the nerve to take on a sixty-nine year old with Parkinson's. I am grateful for the opportunity to rescue some bit of my old running form at this late stage with someone who understands and respects my reasons for trying. `Mark M. '20 Thank you for being everything I needed in a coach. I'm so honored to have connected with you. It's what I have always hoped to get out of a coach/athlete relationship. `Christina R. '19 Can't even explain how thankful we are for you in our son's life. He doesn't hear "us" but definitely hears everything you say and takes it all to HEART and really holds it there. Our kids are so lucky to have so much support. He is special and having someone like you in his life is just awesome in so many ways. Our special child needs special people in his life so THANK YOU!! ~Alicia K. '19 I can honestly say that I have never felt more ready for a race in my life. I can say that I have done everything I could to prepare. Every day since January 1st I gave it my all. Whether it be to push a workout, recover during a workout, rest hard on rest days, you name it. I took this training on solo this year. It was a challenge I was willing to accept and I'm glad that I did. I learned so much about myself. I learned to push myself ALONE whether it be on the bike or the run. I learned to be in pain, ALONE. And for that, not only do I feel physically strong but mentally as well. I have never felt so strong on every level. I don't say it enough but I want to thank you for being one of my biggest support systems through all of this. Support I thought I had going into this year kind of diminished as the days went on. But I felt comfort in knowing that you were also battling out there day in and day out and there were times that just knowing that kept me going. You have truly helped me to become the strongest I have ever been in my life. With that said, no matter what happens in a week, I am going into this race knowing that I have done everything I could do get to where I am at. It truly is all about the journey. The race is the party. My journey this year has been epic on so many different levels. I have done things I never knew I could and I really can't wait for the big dance to show it all off. I hope you're ready! Come Sunday when the gun goes off, my guns will be blazing and my heart will be hungry! Let's do this! ~Ashley S. '15 - PA (week before IM Wisconsin) I have run for many years, however I asked Kenrick to coach me almost one year ago in order to work on my running technique and to improve my half and full marathon times. Kenrick is very knowledgeable and explains things in ways that are easy to understand. He is flexible, positive, and very open to feedback. With his encouragement and his training plans and track workouts, I was able to PR by over 45 minutes in a marathon a few weeks ago! Kenrick is easy to work with and takes into consideration my crazy schedule (as a mother of 3 busy kids) when he plans my workouts. With Kenrick's coaching I have reached goals I did not even think were possible a year ago. He continues to motivate me to want to learn more and improve. ~ Kristin S. '14 - PA Kenrick Smith has been my coach for a year and a half, and we’ve had quite the journey together. With Kenrick’s consistent encouragement, this year I began participating in a Master’s swimming group, and started running and cycling, along with continuing regular core and strength workouts. Every week I feel stronger and excited about being more active than ever. I struggled with my swimming progress for a good portion of the year, but with Kenrick’s endless patience, knowledge and guidance, I broke out of my funk and am seeing significant results. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together next year! ~ Lisa M. '14 - PA |