Meet Deidra Tafoya | Strength & Conditioning Coach-Sports Performance

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deidra Tafoya and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deidra, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was a random process, but I would always say, for the past 3-5 years, “someday I would like to have my own business!”. I think getting into technical terms for the thought process, the initial first thought and question I had was, “what environment or location could I do this in?” My main concern was always, would I be allowed to have a small gym space to train athletes and would it be affordable but also, functional.

Once I was able to find a location that was good enough and from there cost per month and of course functionality, it was enough space to be able to train basically any athlete, without taking away from legitimate training and providing the best coaching to athletes or clients!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The work that I do (strength & conditioning-sports performance) I believe sets me apart from others because the aspect of understanding and being a leader, as a coach, you are a leader, you’re putting yourself into a mentor and leader role, I must be strong and sure of myself, even in times of uncertain situations. I have a lot of young athletes looking up to me or have looked up to me. Athletes need me to guide them, care for them and show them what is proper in sports training, their sport, characteristics and sportsmanship of a great athlete and overall respect for sports and anyone that is involved in sports. That’s what makes me most proud of and what makes me proud to be a coach!

I have been able to get to where I am at today professionally by sticking out the tough times, moving forward even when I felt I couldn’t or didn’t want to. I pushed myself to continue to grow and I have always had a point to prove to myself more than a point to prove to others, because I have always seen things as, If I’m not happy in my own life, then what is the point of doing something or working hard towards something. It wasn’t easy, but I believe a lot of things that are hard, are meant to be hard to change you and challenge you, without that there is no reason behind it.

I’ve overcome challenges by having a hardworking and tough mindset. My parents always taught me to not present myself as a lazy worker, take pride in my work and go the extra mile in everything that I do.

I think I have learned a lot of lessons along the way, there isn’t one I can pinpoint, but I would say, understanding people more and being patient and open to hearing others out.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is: I have put in a lot of work into this small business because I want to help others out with my experiences and knowledge and to help grow athletes and the next generation into outstanding and amazing people for this world!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shout out to all the rugby players that have inspired me, My mom and sister for always encouraging me and to anyone else that has helped me out along the way, this one is for you!!

Website: https://www.deidratafoyastrengthconditioningllc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdtafoyarugbystrength/