ALEXA's STORY

Hi! My name is Alexa, and I’m a Washington native and a Registered Dietitian specializing in sports nutrition for athletes. I work with athletes who want to improve their relationship with food, build confidence in their bodies, and achieve their athletic goals while supporting overall health.​

My journey as an athlete inspired me to become a dietitian. I was fortunate to have a successful high school running career, competing in professional races and Diamond Leagues as a high schooler. At 17, I forgave my collegiate eligibility and signed a professional contract with Nike, long before NIL deals existed, and went on to compete professionally for eight years, specializing in the 800m and 1500m.​

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Throughout my career, I struggled with my weight. My coach set arbitrary numbers for me to meet during racing season, and that number began to dictate my confidence. I weighed myself daily, constantly thinking about food, the scale, and whether I was “enough.” Each year, I would gain 10–15 pounds in the off-season, only to start the cycle over again. For six years, I experienced irregular menstrual cycles - something I wrongly believed was a sign of fitness.

Even with accomplishments like setting the American Junior Record in the 1500m, earning a Bronze Medal at the Pan American Games, finishing Top 5 at USAs, and qualifying twice for the Olympic Trials, my self-worth was tied to the scale. That constant stress and anxiety contributed to my early retirement at 25. In many ways, I wish I had worked with a dietitian to help me realize the continuous battle I was putting my body through physiologically and mentally. 

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After retiring, I assumed my struggles with food, weight, and body image would disappear, but they didn’t. I continued seeking validation from the scale, scrutinizing my reflection, and spending hours in the gym. Eventually, I realized I wanted to give back to the sport that had given me so much, but in a healthier, more sustainable way. Becoming a Registered Dietitian allows me to help athletes achieve their goals while nurturing their bodies, confidence, and relationship with food and exercise, both in the short term and for a lifetime. I recognize that as athletes, we might not always think about our long-term health, but what we do now, physically and mentally, shapes our future success. That means fueling adequately, not relying on the scale for validation, and giving yourself permission to include all foods without guilt.