Jesus Acuna
Oct 27, 20223 min
Gretchen has been an RF member since we opened the doors! She is a mother of two and a teacher. Her number one goal, when she started, was to feel like an athlete again and get back on the field to play ultimate frisbee. When she did exactly that, it was one of the coolest moments because I know how hard she worked for it.
Gretchen is always ready to lend a hand and loves encouraging others to try their best. Gretchen wears her heart on her sleeve and is a welcoming face in the gym for new and old members. She lives, breathes, and shouts RF. She took some time to answer some questions and you can read more of her story below.
- Coach Jesus
Thank You! There could be a lot more words but the ones that matter are Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all you have given and continue to give!
I often say I am from nowhere and belong everywhere. My dad was in the Air Force for 20 years and I grew up nowhere cool but in a lot of different places. My dad retired when I was a sophomore in high school and we moved back to AZ where I graduated from HS and then went to ASU. Yes, I am a parent of two awesome strong kiddos, Emmett and Clementine. In my free time, I often attend swim meets, parkour events, or play ultimate frisbee. I also very much enjoy using my creative brain and making things.
I first met Jesus back in the day at another gym he used to work at. I had heard through the grapevine that he was leaving to start his own thing and I knew that I wanted to follow him and become a part of whatever He and Annette were going to cultivate and I am glad I did!
I was a pretty serious athlete for most of my life. Ran cross country and swam in college and then found my love for Ultimate Frisbee which stole my heart and allowed me to really find my way in the world. I have played in Nationals and at Worlds and also met my husband playing frisbee. I have continued to stay involved with Frisbee and my kiddos now have found the love!
I was playing in a lot of local frisbee leagues and swimming.
I knew I wanted to get stronger and start to support my body in different ways than the ones that eventually caused me to have multiple knee surgeries and aching bones. I knew Jesus was an athlete and understood my desire to get back out on the field and play again despite my aging body. I so very much appreciate the way he and the other coaches push me to be better and get stronger. I needed to start supporting my body in different ways and this RF crew is so knowledgeable in all those things while also knowing when to push.
Just being sore in ways that I didn't know were possible and not really understanding the strength I have.
Making time for myself to be there and knowing that I get the support I need to do that.
Time for me
Stronger
Learning that I can lift some heavy stuff!
Stronger, more confident in my body, lifelong friends.
Consistency, don’t be afraid to ask questions and you are stronger than you think.
Come for a visit, and talk to the people.