Coach Sarah has not only taught me to swim 1.2 miles efficiently, to bike 58 miles (Ironman 70.3 North Carolina) with proper nutrition, and to run 13.1 miles without stopping. She has taught me persistence, and to be kind to myself, and that my journey is MY journey and that showing up is what gets us across the finish line. She has also shown me and countless others what friendship and coaching with compassion means. I’ve been inspired to be a better athlete and mother while she guides me through this journey. – Sarah Demarest 

I never would’ve thought when I started this journey in 2019 that I would have completed 9 Ironman 70.3s and become a 2x World Championship Qualifier. This has been such a rewarding ride – I love the journey as much as if not more the destination – whatever that might be. My success is not solely my own – thankful for Coach Sarah believing in me, challenging me, and inspiring me to continue to pursue my maximum capabilities. They say that a coach is one of the greatest types of teachers we will ever have – Coach Sarah is far more that that because she is also a friend. – Lisa Bishop

In barely a month, Coach Sarah was able to give me not just the skills but the confidence to complete the ocean swim in Ironman 70.3 Hawaii. It was quite an experience! On top of that, she has been able to create a great triathlon community. I even got a few friends to compete in their first triathlons thanks to the HFFA summer event organized by Sarah. Thankful for everything she has done and the impact she has on our lives. Can’t wait to keep improving! – Thibaut Taquet

One of the largest goals when I moved to North Carolina was to re-commit to competition and exercise. After going to HFFA for several weeks I wanted to challenge myself more than I had ever done before and decided to do that through swimming. I could not swim from one end of the pool and back without stopping. I figured Coach Sarah would be some nice person that volunteered her time for 40+ ex-athletes like me and help them at least be able tread water a little longer. Little did I know I would meet such an amazing instructor and be a part of a network of superior athletes. She has not only helped me achieve my goal of swimming, but she has made me fall in love with the process of continuous self-improvement. 

– Byron Thompson