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President
Year you started climbing? 1999
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2000
Favorite climbing spot? Kalymnos, Greece.
Most memorable climbing experience? Too many and all memorable for different reasons - sending a hard climb, being in a beautiful place, climbing with my husband and friends...
What roles have you had as a Sportrock employee? Instructor, Investor, President.
Passions in life? Creating opportunities in the climbing community that support people in discovering their potential!
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Passionate, driven, reliable.
What would surprise us to learn about you? I LOVE M&Ms (dark chocolate specifically!).
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? Grizzly bear because I love the great outdoors, eating fish and scaring campers!
Senior Director | Director of SR Sterling
Year you started climbing? 1999
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2002
Favorite climbing spot? Red Rocks, NV.
Most memorable climbing experience? The Great Arch in Stone Mountain, NC.
What roles have you had as a Sportrock employee? I’ve done them all.
Passions in life? Family.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Caring, Committed, Clean.
What would surprise us to learn about you? On hard, crimpy boulder problems, I only climb with 9 fingers.
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? A pet panda for my daughter because she LOVES them.
Director of SR Alexandria & Outdoor Programs
Year you started climbing? 2001
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2010
Favorite climbing spot? Yosemite in early spring.
Most memorable climbing experience? One of my most memorable moments came at the end of the first day of my first big-wall climb. I was hating life, had been belaying on a 6 inch ledge for hours, was cold, hungry, and had forgotten my headlamp in the bottom of the haul bag. I was just about ready to give up on climbing forever when the sun started to set, and a cloud of a thousand swifts started feeding all around me. Climbing to me is all about stepping back to find beauty in these extreme environments and experiences. You have to get out of your head and recognize that it's a pretty cool planet.
What roles have you had as a Sportrock employee? Outdoor guide, Desk staff, Closing manager, Basic Skills instructor, Camp Director, Director of Alexandria, Director of Outdoor Programs.
Passions in life? Aside from climbing, I love baking bread, sailing, and playing dungeons and dragons.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Evidence-based, Glittery, Color-coordinated.
What would surprise us to learn about you? I once hitchhiked over 2,000 miles in 8 months around the southwest US climbing. I also started climbing after attending a Sportrock birthday party.
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? I would be a blue whale - it's the most alien landscape and fundamentally different experience I could imagine.
Director of Membership
Year you started climbing? 1994
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2003
Favorite climbing spot? Chattanooga, TN.
Most memorable climbing experience? Leading my wife up Old Ladies at Seneca Rocks to propose on the south summit.
What roles have you had as a Sportrock employee? I started as a routesetter and continued with that part-time through most of my Sportrock career. I was also the SR Rockville Gym Director, Operations Director, Instructor, IT Department, Cleaner, Builder, Repairman, Purchaser, Installer, etc. And I continue to do many of these roles while also working as the Director of Membership.
Passions in life? My family is always at the top of my list. A recent and strong passion of mine though has become obstacle course racing. If I'm not spending time on either of those things, then you will probably find me in the shop fixing or building something.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Sarcastic (from my wife), Strong (from my daughter), Blank stare (from my son).
What would surprise us to learn about you? I can add poop and fart lyrics to most Disney tunes, especially Frozen and Descendants. If you want to get your daughter laughing, just sing “let it go, let it go, can’t hold it back anymore.”
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? Okapi. It is rarely seen and rarely heard of. However, when it finally comes to light you can only think that Prometheus’s children got a hold of the clay one day.
Director of Programs & Events
Year you started climbing? 2004
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2007
Favorite climbing spot? Echo Cliffs or Red River Gorge.
Most memorable climbing experience? Deep water soloing in Mallorca, Spain.
What roles have you had as a Sportrock employee? Yoga Instructor, Climbing Instructor, Front Desk Staff, Outdoor Instructor, Lead Manager, Assistant Director, Director of Alexandria, Director of Programs & Events.
Passions in life? My family, jigsaw puzzles, my dogs, camping, climbing, running, baking, neurobiology, and eating.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Passionate, Crazy, Independent.
What would surprise us to learn about you? I used to run my own catering baking business, DC Treats, which served to over 15 bars/restaurants in the DC area, including Good Stuff Eatery and Sticky Rice.
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? An elephant because they are strong, intelligent, loyal to the group, and unstoppable.
Assistant Director of SR Alexandria
Year you started climbing? 2010
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2010
Favorite climbing spot? Red River Gorge and Reeds Creek.
Most memorable climbing experience? The Red River Gorge was my first outdoor trip ever. I knew nothing and went with experts! It was my first lead belay and the first time I cleaned a route. I fell in love. And the experience reminded me that I was improving, growing, and getting over my fear of heights every day.
What roles have you had as a Sportrock employee? Birthday Party Instructor, Front Desk Staff, Front Desk Manager, Instructor, Retail Manager, Assistant Director of Alexandria.
Passions in life? My passion in life is helping others work for and achieve goals. Every personality test I’ve taken led me to the same common theme: helping, teaching, and motivating others. Currently, I want to share the love of climbing with those who may not have the opportunity to do so and introduce a new mental and physical challenge into their lives.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Loyal, Enthusiastic, Supportive.
What would surprise us to learn about you? Other than being absolutely afraid of heights...I love love love the sound of lawnmowers because it reminds me of warmer weather and free time. It's the sound of summer! I played soccer since I was 2 years old, was a Middle School PE teacher, and completed a 500 mile hike. I also lived in Istanbul, Turkey for six months and scored free tea and coffee almost daily for three of them!
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? Golden Retriever - The extroverted, loyal cuddler that loves to play and meet new people. They are energetic, active, and they love and want to play with everyone. They also like meeting new people, going on long hikes and adventures, and sharing hugs and treats.
Marketing Manager
Year you started climbing? 2012
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2014
Favorite climbing spot? Leavenworth, WA.
Most memorable climbing experience? Freezing temps. 50-degree sleeping bags. Car stuck in the mud. Unable to start a fire. Finally start a fire. Snow. Fire goes out. Car still stuck in mud. Start another fire. Survive the night on body heat and sheer force of will. Climb at Endless Wall the next day!
What roles have you had as a Sportrock employee? Belay bot for parties and open climb; Summer Camp instructor; Private Lesson instructor; Head Camp Coordinator; Marketing Manager.
Passions in life? School is and always will be one of my great passions. If I could professionally collect degrees in various fields, I would. Also, publishing a novel is a lifelong dream of mine. So I would say, besides climbing: learning, writing, music, environmentalism...and climbing.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Follows directions.
What would surprise us to learn about you? I was NOT in a fraternity in college. But I was in an all-male acapella group.
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? Humpback Whale. No natural predators, meals swim into my mouth, and people travel from around the world to watch me belly flop? Yes, please.
Senior Director | Director of Routesetting (L5)
Year you started climbing? 2002
Year you started setting? 2004
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2002
How many comps have you set for? 100+ including multiple World Cup and National Championships.
What is your goal when setting? For gym setting, I try to make every climb consistent in grade, with respect to height and reach, with flow and memorable sequences or movement. For comp setting, the goal is to create fun and fair routes or problems to separate the field of competitors. We try to test all abilities and styles for the overall "best" climber of the event.
How do you come up with route names? That's the hardest part of my day. Normally it comes down to the first two words I can rhyme that are appropriate.
Favorite route name? One Crazy Hooker.
What inspires you to stay constantly creative? My reputation.
Setting pet peeves? When climbers do a sequence or move incorrectly or harder than what is obvious and then complain the movement was "awkward"... sometimes it's not the climb that’s awkward, it's the climber.
Words of advice to climbers who get stumped on your routes? Try harder.
Passions in life? My wife and son, cars and trucks, fixing stuff.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? He’s a Workhorse.
What would surprise us to learn about you? I train and compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? A Lion, because he’s the king of the jungle!
Head Routesetter (L4)
Year you started climbing? 1996
Year you started setting? 2001
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2017
How many comps have you set for? 32
Why did you start setting? Early on I was more focused on competing than setting. I competed in ABS & USA Climbing National events, UBC Pro Tour events, Mammut Bouldering Championships, Dark Horse Series, Portland Boulder Rally, 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell, and even an Ice Climbing comp. I thought comps started to neglect the competitor for "world cup" style problems so I started to focus on setting to better understand this style. I have been head setter for a few different gyms in NC, PA, and OR over the years, and I have set multiple USA Climbing National events.
What is your goal when setting? To force you to do whatever I want you to do.
How do you come up with route names? I stare at the computer screen and mumble until I come up with something.
Favorite route name? Manilla Vanure.
What inspires you to stay constantly creative? Coffee and pastries.
Setting pet peeves? Metric bolts.
Words of advice to climbers who get stumped on your routes? Seek out beta or work it out with a friend. Sometimes I can set very contrived with a specific sequence, so if you can't figure it out maybe someone else can. Just like outside, learning how to project routes can help with the redpoint process. More pull-ups always help.
Passions in life? My wife and baby boy... and cookies, all of them.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Slow-motion Train Wreck.
What would surprise us to learn about you? Before getting back in the gym I was a High School Chemistry/Physics/Math teacher. I have horrible balance. I am a huge fan of rap and hip-hop.
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? Gorilla, it’s my spirit animal.
Routesetter (L2)
Year you started climbing? 2005
Year you started setting? 2009
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2012
How many comps have you set for? Dozens.
Why did you start setting? I would skip class to go climb at Virginia Beach Rock Gym while my friends, Scott Johns and Tommy Morrison, were setting and they kind of took me under their wing.
What is your goal when setting? To force the movement, duh...
How do you come up with route names? I keep an ongoing list in my phone of things and phrases that I think would make good route names. There’s lots of pop culture references.
Favorite route name? All my favorite route names are NSFW.
What inspires you to stay constantly creative? The bills don't pay themselves.
Setting pet peeves? Not having enough coffee.
Words of advice to climbers who get stumped on your routes? Trade beta for baked goods.
Passions in life? Rock climbing, yoga, art, building things.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Doesn't follow instructions well.
What would surprise us to learn about you? I’m a bit of a neat freak.
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? A pug, everybody likes pugs.
Marketing Manager
Year you started climbing? 2008-ish but wasn't very dedicated until 2018
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2018
Favorite climbing spot? Undecided
Most memorable climbing experience? First trip to The New...it rained day one hahaha. The sun came out for the rest of the trip and it was a great week.
What roles have you had as a Sportrock employee? Basic Belayer, Basic Skills Instructor, Front Desk Staff, Front Desk Manager, Marketing Manager
Passions in life? I'm an artist on the side; I like to draw and paint from time to time. Otherwise I genuinely just enjoy being active and spending time outside in nature.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Cheerful, Social,...and the poster child for A.D.D
What would surprise us to learn about you? I hate winter and being cold, but I love the snow.
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? Orca whale because the sea is cool, mysterious, and would be neat to be explore...and also because I was going to say dolphin but Orcas are bigger, tougher dolphins. Dolphins 2.0!
DIRECTOR OF THE SPORTROCK PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE
Year I Started Climbing: 2002
Number of Years Coaching: 15
Favorite Climbing Spot: Joshua Tree National Park (Favorite) or Mt. Gretna (Local)
About Me: Taylor Reed is a climbing coach with 15 years of coaching experience. That time includes work with 12 youth U.S. team members, 5.14 and V13/14-level climbers, and medalists at all different levels including a silver medal in the new Olympic Combined Format at an international youth event. Taylor has consulted with multiple national champions, world cup athletes, and national federations on a diverse range of topics. He is also on advisory boards for two international climbing companies and has spoken both nationally and internationally. Taylor currently directs the Beta Angel Project – a website dedicated to bridging the science of climbing with practice. He currently has over 25 projects and collaborations with researchers and climbers in over a dozen countries. As Director, Taylor has been asked to speak at both U.S and international events. In 2018, the Beta Angel Project was visited by climbers in 91 countries.
If I could be any animal in the world: a dinosaur, because some day I'd like to be extinct and have people try to imagine me covered in feathers.
Alexandria Head coach for competitive team
Year I Started Climbing: 2006
Number of Years Coaching: 9, coaching 5
Favorite Climbing Spot: Squamish, B.C.
About Me: I started climbing at Sportrock after trying to unsuccessfully start a boy-band cooking show. I got stoked on climbing outside, and have spent many years training my skills to be as safe and efficient as possible. I always want to travel more and climb more, but also love working so I don't get away too often. I'm really excited to help train your kids to their fullest potential!
If I could be any animal in the world: Goose - Get to travel the US for free
DIRECTOR OF YOUTH PROGRAMS
Year I Started Climbing: 2005
Started at Sportrock: 2010
Favorite Climbing Spot: Summersville, WV
About Me: Climbing means a lot to me; I started climbing with my younger brother when I was 15 years old. The challenge of moving your body through space and moving between holds like a big puzzle is amazing. The gratification of trying something that seems impossible at first, and working it until it becomes doable, is something I hope everyone gets a chance to experience. The opportunity to help foster that feeling in others is a really rewarding one.
If I could be any animal in the world: A giraffe; it would be nice to use that tall beta.
Alexandria Head Coach of Advanced TEam
Year I Started Climbing: Feb. 2018
Number of Years Coaching: Sept. 2018
Favorite Climbing Spot: The New River Gorge
About Me: I first came to Sportrock in February of 2018 and immediately fell in love with the gym and climbing as a sport. After getting hired as a summer camp counselor, I realized quickly this was a job I really enjoyed. In the few months I went from being just a camp counselor to being an instructor, manager, outdoor guide, and now Advanced Team Head Coach. I'm very excited to be able to spread my passion for climbing with the next generation of climbers and help them reach their goals.
If I could be any animal in the world: I would be a sloth so I can really take the time to enjoy climbing.
STERLING Head Coach of COMPETITIVE TEam
Year I Started Climbing: 2011
Number of Years Coaching: 5-6 years
Favorite Climbing Spot:
About Me: A climbing team combines the individual growth and rewards found in an athlete's hard work and problem-solving with a positive, supportive atmosphere. Through my experiences as a father and through my academic pursuits, I understand how pivotal seemingly minor relationships, networks, and events can be. Regardless of an athlete's reasons for being involved with our Junior Team, I want them to develop or maintain a positive self-image, mutually beneficial social relationships, and a strong work ethic. The respect gained for one's self and for others safeguards our dignity and reaffirms our value.
Favorite Climbing Spot: Sportrock Sterling, obviously.
If I could be any animal in the world: I would be a Sea Turtle--assuming I survive the violent and traumatic early stages of my sea turtle life, I have a lovely 100 years of seafaring ahead of me, living under the waves and munching on jellyfish (they have it coming).
STERLING Head Coach of Advanced TEam
Year I Started Climbing: 2004
Number of Years Coaching: 2
Favorite Climbing Spot: Red Rocks, Nevada
About Me: Lisa is originally from Ogden, Utah and moved to Washington DC in June of 2018. She started rock climbing at the age of 17 when some of her co workers invited her outside and has never looked back since! The best part of coaching to Lisa is seeing children succeed and grow their passion for climbing. When Lisa isn't rock climbing, she enjoys backpacking, cooking vegan food, and playing fetch with her dog
If I could be any animal in the world: Bush baby, because they are so fluffy and have tiny little people hands
Routesetter (L1)
Year you started climbing? 2006
Year you started setting? 2012
Year you started working at Sportrock? 2010 - Sportrock was my first job. I started with the basics, open belay, birthday parties, etc.
How many comps have you set for? Over ten.
Why did you start setting? I got to know Jeremy in the summer of 2012, I think at the time I was just some psyched young punk who served as some good motivation for Jeremy to push himself bouldering. He let me set a boulder one day, maybe I bugged him about it, I can't remember exactly.
What is your goal when setting? To teach people how to climb.
How do you come up with route names? Big brain time.
Favorite route name? What Is Normal For The Spider Is Chaos To The Fly
What inspires you to stay constantly creative? Knowing that I can always do better
Setting pet peeves? Children running, parents not paying attention.
Words of advice to climbers who get stumped on your routes? A move feeling awkward or uncomfortable is a good thing, it means you've found something that you've never done before. Smash that move relentlessly until it feels easy and you will know you have improved.
Passions in life? Creation, Meditation, Vegetables, Cleaning new boulder problems outside, Performing at your peak physically, Good friends.
How would your family or friends describe you in 3 words? Driven, Confident, Honest (when I shouldn't be)
What would surprise us to learn about you? I sold vintage t-shirts and played online poker before I was a full time routesetter.
If you could be any animal in the world - what would you be and why? I'd love to say something cool and edgy but being an indoor-outdoor domestic cat seems optimal - free food, play outside, warm house.