We are excited to welcome JC back to Team Vegan Powered Athlete for her fourth year on the team.
JC’s journey into endurance sports is a powerful example of resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to step outside of comfort zones in pursuit of growth.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, JC spent nine years working as a firefighter and paramedic, a career that demanded strength, discipline, and a deep commitment to helping others. Even before endurance sport became part of her life, she had already built a lifestyle rooted in compassion.
JC had been vegetarian on and off since the age of two, and at 19 she transitioned fully to a vegan lifestyle after discovering she was allergic to dairy. For the past 15 years, she has embraced a plant-based life that aligns with both her health and her values.
Her path into triathlon began in 2021 when she signed up for her first half Ironman. The decision wasn’t just about racing. It was about healing.
JC initially turned to endurance training as a way to cope with PTSD symptoms, but what started as a therapeutic outlet quickly became something much bigger.
She fell in love with the process.
The long training days, the structure, the progress, and the sense of purpose that comes with working toward something challenging became a powerful force in her life.
In 2022, JC made a major life change and moved to Tampa, Florida, where she joined Beach Patrol as a lifeguard. The decision was intentional and deeply personal.
Open water swimming had been one of her biggest fears. Rather than avoiding it, she chose to face it head-on by immersing herself in the environment that once intimidated her.
That mindset of confronting fear and turning it into strength continues to define JC’s approach to sport and life.
Now she is entering an exciting new chapter.
With her sights set on extreme triathlons, JC is relocating to San Diego, California to access the hills, trails, and terrain that will help her develop into a stronger cyclist and runner. The challenging landscapes of Southern California will become the training ground for her next evolution as an athlete.
Her journey reflects what Team VPA is all about: athletes who pursue endurance not only for performance but also for growth, resilience, and purpose.
As JC continues her path toward more demanding races and bigger challenges, we’re proud to have her representing Team Vegan Powered Athlete for another year.
Year four is just the beginning of the next adventure.
Welcome back, JC. We’re excited to see where the miles take you next.
