Sarah began swimming competitively at the age of 6 in Rhode Island. At age 15, she enrolled in The Peddie School in NJ to focus on academics and swimming with the goal to earn a scholarship to college. In 1989, Sarah achieved her goal and began her collegiate career at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. At the 1989 US Olympic Festival she became the first female athlete to win 6 medals (2 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze). In 1990, Sarah suffered a compound fracture to her right arm. This injury motivated and empowered her to work on her core and leg strength while rehabilitating her upper body. In less than one year, Sarah earned NCAA All-American honors and became a US National Champion, ranking Top 16 in the World in sprint freestyle events. She competed for the United States National Team through 1995, setting an American Record in 1993.
Sarah graduated with a BA in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill. She met her husband, Greg at UNC Chapel Hill where they swam and trained together every day! In the late 1990s, the couple moved to the Lake Norman area and worked in the financial industry. After an extensive back surgery in 2000, Sarah and Greg welcomed their two beautiful daughters, Marissa and Morgan, into the world.
In 2005, Sarah founded UpGrade Lifestyle, a wellness company offering personal strength training, triathlon and multi-sport training, registered dietitian services, and life coaching. TEAM UPGRADE was formed and consists of multi-sport athletes who participate in local, regional, national and international events. Since 2005, Sarah has participated in all run and triathlon distances. She has developed programs which focus on creating a healthy, active balance in our everyday lives. She has educated, motivated and empowered multi-sport athletes (ages 6-70s) to achieve their goals. Sarah knows what it takes to train at the highest level, overcome obstacles and is passionate about sharing her expertise with members in our community.
Education
BA in Psychology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
UNC Business Essentials Certification – Carolina Business Institute
Certifications
Honors
Jill grew up in Scarsdale, New York, moving to Huntersville in 1990. She graduated from Lehigh University with a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. Jill swam competitively through her teenage years. In her 20’s she became a certified aerobics instructor and taught for 7 years in Connecticut while working at IBM.
While raising her three daughters with husband David, in 2007 Jill ran her first 5K and was then introduced to triathlons through Tri It For Life and completed the Ramblin’ Rose in 2008. She has served on the TriItForLife Board of Directors for 5 years, serving as President in 2012. Jill’s interest in triathlons turned quickly into a passion as she has completed over 40 triathlons, from sprint to international to 140.6 distance, in NY, GA, VA, FL, NC & SC. She has raced Lake Logan 70.3, IM 70.3 Augusta, Raleigh and Lake Placid. Jill placed 3rd in her division in the Beach 2 Battleship 140.6 in October 2013. She enjoys sharing her experience to help others reach their fitness goals.
Jill left the corporate world to join UpGrade Lifestyle as a personal trainer and triathlon coach in 2014. Always having the upmost respect for Sarah Hart and the mission of UpGrade Lifestyle, this was a perfect fit. In 2016 Jill became a partner and continues to enjoy helping athletes reach their full potential in a positive and rewarding environment.
Education
BS in Electrical Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
Certifications
Honors
Monica grew up just down the road in Charlotte. She graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a Masters of Business Administration. She started with BellSouth (now AT&T) after graduation in 1989 in Greenville, SC. She moved back to Charlotte in 1998 and then to Huntersville in 2000. Monica was a lifeguard and taught swim lessons in her late teens and early 20s during the summers.
As a high school athlete, Monica played basketball, ran track and cross country. Later in life, she started running again and did her first marathons in 2010. Injuries drove her to cross training and triathlons. She completed her first triathlon, the Ramblin’ Rose, in 2012. A passion for the sport was born. She has completed over 40 triathlons, including 4 Half Ironman races including IM 70.3 Augusta, Bone Island 70.3 and Mountains to Main Street 70.3. She also completed Beach to Battleship 140.6 in 2015.
Monica has retired from AT&T after a 30 year career in 2019. She looks forward to helping others find their passion!
Education
BS in Electrical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC MBA, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
Certifications
CPR/AED First Aid
YOU and 3 friends can meet with me and we will design your class. I’ll set up a class for you and we’ll cover all of the components of swim, bike and run and more.
