06/03/2026
Congratulations are in order for Summer's nomination as CFE's June Athlete of the month! Since joining CFE just 9 months ago, Summer has been the definition of consistency, hard work, and coachability. She shows up ready to learn, embraces feedback, and continues to push herself toward new skills and goals every single week. Whether it’s celebrating her first kipping pull-up or attacking workouts with intensity and positivity, her growth has been incredible to watch.
What makes Summer so deserving of this recognition goes beyond the physical progress. She brings energy, humility, and an appreciation for the community that makes CFE special. From earning her master’s degree to chasing a future career making a difference in juvenile justice, Summer attacks life with the same determination she brings into the gym. We’re happy to have her as part of our community and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next. Read on to hear a bit about Summer you may not already know!
WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF CROSSFIT?
Outside of CrossFit, as of two weeks ago (because I graduated), nothing!!! This is the first time in my life I haven't been a student!
WHAT DID YOU DO FOR FITNESS BEFORE CFE?
Before CFE, I was trying everything, but going back to CrossFit. I started CrossFit when I was 15 years old as off-season training for alpine ski racing. Then, when I was a senior in high school, our sports psychologist, who previously owned a CrossFit Gym, started a CrossFit team at our school. I was invited to be on it, and was one of two girls on the team. After the CrossFit teams fall season ended, my ski team continued to do CrossFit for off-snow training, and my friends and roommates began to join in. I noticed younger girls were looking up to us, and wanted to do what we were doing! So, alongside my coach, I started creating workouts and made a women's only team, "women warriors," where the younger girls could feel comfortable walking into our school gym and be able to learn the basics of CrossFit from our coach. To put it simply, CrossFit gave me a strong sense of purpose in high school, and I loved every second of it. Unfortunately, it all came to a halt when I went off to college. I attempted to continue CrossFit for a month or two, but ultimately lost focus and motivation to continue. This past September, I was fed up with my lack of confidence, the university's gym, and the anxiety surrounding going back to CrossFit. I signed up for my free class online, threw my phone down and let out a silent scream. I was so excited but so nervous.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE CFE?
To be completely honest, I was looking at my options around the Durham area, and I got the best vibes from CFE. The community seemed welcoming and sweet, but still had the intensity and competitive atmosphere. Epping was just far enough that I felt as though I could find a new community outside of my UNH one.
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE HESITANT TO TRY CROSSFIT?
In the most motivating tone, JUST DO IT!!!! It's so much more than just the workout; it starts to become a whole other community. You're not going to know everything right off the bat, and you are constantly having to work at different movements, but that's part of the fun, because when you get a movement, it's the best day ever, and then you become addicted to the feeling of working hard to get a new movement! I nearly cried of exctment when I got my first toes to bar and kipping pull up.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT?
In my life: just graduated with my master's degree!! In the gym: getting kipping pull-ups!
GREATEST CHALLENGES?
Right now, trying to figure out my next steps in my life, where I want to go and finding a job, althought its a challenge, it's the greatest blessing to have the opportunity to be at this point of my life where I can take the time to thoughtfully embrace this next chapter.
GOALS MOVING FORWARD?
In life, I want to land a job within juvenile justice, and feel as though I am making a difference in at least one child's life. In the gym, keep showing up and work on my weaknesses.
FAVORITE MOVEMENTS
Hot take, I love wall balls, but definitely not after 100 of them. A clean and jerk is always fun, and double unders when it's a good double-unders day.
IF YOU COULD EAT ONE THING FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Brownie sundaes!!! My response to this question has never changed, and probably will never change for the rest of my life. Brownie sundaes are the key to my heart.
FAVORITE QUOTE?
Favorite quote is: "This too shall pass." My mom, during every high highs and low lows, keeps me grounded by saying this. Life is always moving, and it's a good reminder that, especially in the low moments, you are not stuck, and as time moves forward, so will you.
FAVORITE MOVEMENT?
The first one I can think of is The Hangover. Makes me laugh every time.
YOU'RE STUCK IN A KARAOKE BAR AND CAN'T LEAVE TIL YOU SING A SONG, WHAT IS IT?
BEFORE HE CHEATS by Carrie Underwood is the all-time best song to get the crowd going. Even if I were not stuck in the karaoke bar, I would sing this.
WHAT'S A FUN FACT ABOUT YOU WE MIGHT NOT KNOW?
When I was younger, my older brother and I were in a commercial for the ski resort we grew up in. And this isn't fun, but I found out when I was 19 i'm allergic to raw carrots...
