Athlete Spotlight: Shelli and Hannah Stoker
Note from Coach Vicki | There are many amazing mom/daughter teams out there, but this team is one of my favorites!
Shelli has been part of Tri Fitness from Day 1 and has made amazing progress! When Hannah started working out at Tri Fitness, I was taller than she was (but probably not for long).
Both of these women are inspirational in their own ways. Shelli has managed her (incredibly active) family for many years, and yet always found a way to keep fitness a priority regardless of how many balls she has in the air. Hannah is definitely following in her mother’s footsteps, and possibly “one upping” her.
I hope you get a sense of how amazing these two women are as you read on.
Name | Shelli Stoker
Tell us about your family/career.
I have an amazing, supportive family including Bob, my husband of 31 years; and three adult children, Hannah, Evan, and Connor.
How long has fitness been part of your life?
Fitness has always been part of my life. My dad got me involved in track at a young age, and then volleyball and softball in my teen and young adult life. My focus shifted to my family when our kids were growing up, so I watched a lot of sports, but I was mostly running (not literally) from practices to games! About 15 years ago, I started working out at Tri Fitness doing mostly circuit classes and strength training. I bought a road bike 7 years ago and started taking the indoor performance cycle classes. I wasn’t comfortable riding outside, but fell in love with biking for fitness. With the encouragement of Vicki, I rode outside for the first time 3 years ago! Now I really love being able to ride outside, especially with my daughter!
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Golfing with my family, reading books, and working on jigsaw puzzles.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto?
I find quotes and mottos motivational. My favorites change over time depending on what’s happening in my life. Lately, my favorite quote is...
“Nothing will work unless you do.” ~ Maya Angelou
What keeps you going when you really don’t want to go?
The desire to stay fit enough to hang with my kids!!
What got you started with training?
A friend suggested that I join her for a little "fun" at a Tri Fitness circuit class. I learned there are many definitions of fun!! However, the support and camaraderie keep me coming back. To have FUN!!
When you tell your friends/family about beginning your journey what was their reaction?
My family and friends are all supportive of any crazy journey I take!
What is your biggest struggle?
Consistency and acknowledging the small victories.
Goals for upcoming year?
I’ve walked in the Susan G Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer walk for the past several years. It’s a 60 mile walk over 3 days. That’s a lot of walking, but a great cause! My goal is to continue to train and participate in this event every year. Also, my daughter (Hannah) and I have gone hiking in Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. I want to be strong and healthy moving forward to continue these adventures!
Name | Hannah Stoker
Tell us about your family/career.
I come from a family of 5—my most amazing parents and two brothers. I am actually in the middle of a career pivot. After college, I worked for a few years in the tech start-up space, and loved the fast pace, but ultimately felt the call to go back to school to pursue a career as a registered dietitian. This shift was born from reflecting on some nutrition-related challenges I experienced as a young athlete. I would like to work with young women in similar circumstances as a RD someday. I’ll be starting my coordinated graduate work and accredited dietetic internship this fall at the University of Utah College of Health in SLC.
Were you involved in other competitive sports prior to your adult years? (ie- athletic background)
Sports are so fun!!!!!!! When I was very young I did dance and gymnastics, but soccer and horseback riding were the two sports that stuck long-term. I was that completely horse obsessed little girl. While horseback riding became a way for me to connect with the natural world and mentally check out, soccer was the counterweight in intensity and competition. I played for a competitive club team in high school that demanded a lot of me and my teammates. While I can’t say that was without some hard moments, I freakin' loved it and feel so lucky to have had that experience. And then, I played collegiately. I have a huge amount of respect for the sport; soccer is the most beautiful game and has shaped me in profound ways over the years. The juicy combination of finesse and grit…I’m about it.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
My hobbies include playing the piano, riding horses, hiking, anything outside, exploring new places, writing, unintentionally over-caffeinating, experimenting in the kitchen, spending time with family and friends, reorganizing the center console in my car, and trying new sparkling water flavors.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto?
Something my parents have instilled in me: identify the things that truly get you buzzing and get creative around those with intensity. And also being able to laugh at yourself is key.
What got you started with training?
My mom has worked out at Tri Fitness for a long time (shout out mama!), and I was really fortunate to be able to work with Vicki and other Tri Fitness coaches as a young athlete to make myself a bit more robust. I credit much of the strength and power I gained as a young soccer player to their guidance.
When my soccer career came to an end after college, I played on some rec league teams locally, but after a few years I had this realization—I know how it’s “supposed” to feel in my body and mind to play this sport I love so much at a high level. It was difficult for me to separate all of those years of competitive training from playing recreationally when I was no longer training for soccer.
I bounced around doing group fitness classes for a while. Then, I discovered that what I really desired was to be a beginner at something completely new, a new sport. To challenge myself, get out of my comfort zone, and eventually see what I could do. I knew I moderately enjoyed running and biking and loved being outside. Lucky for me, I was familiar with this place called Tri Fitness (you may have heard of it) and have started biking and running more over the last couple years.
Now I usually hit up the WILDJ 5:30AM RIP class once a week and join the group rides outside when I can.
I did my first triathlon this summer, and I’m afraid I am hooked.
What keeps you going when you really don’t want to go?
Curiosity to uncover what I am capable of if I devote myself to something. Discipline. Reminding myself of where I want to go.
When you tell your friends/family about beginning your journey what was their reaction?
I am infinitely blessed with the love and support from my boyfriend Coleman, family, friends in all ways, always. Even though some of them are like,“I love that for you,” but I would never spot them running by choice.
Best tip for someone that is thinking about starting a fitness program.
Find a physical activity or sport that you genuinely LOVE to do. Do that. From gardening to backcountry skiing… and everything in between. And find some fun people who get stoked on the same stuff!
Goals for upcoming year?
I haven’t set any audacious goals for 2023 yet, but I will be doing one more sprint tri at the end of July and could not be more pumped. Generally, I want to get stronger on the bike and run—and swim I guess (LOL). Lots to work on, definitely a newbie here.
If you have anything else you would like to add, please feel free!
To everyone I’ve met at Tri Fitness—you are some of the most wonderful and inspiring humans and I’m happy our paths have crossed.