Book Lessons with Coach Ellen

Hi, I'm Ellen, a Certified Personal Trainer, former collegiate basketball player, and performance coach dedicated to helping athletes and active individuals unlock their full potential.

After spending six years competing at the collegiate level, I learned that peak performance isn't just about talent—it's about developing the physical and mental tools needed to consistently show up, overcome challenges, and continue growing. The athletes who reach their potential aren't always the most gifted; they're the ones who commit to the process, build resilience, and continually push beyond their comfort zones.

That's the foundation of my coaching philosophy.

I believe everyone has untapped potential waiting to be developed. Whether you're a former athlete looking to regain your competitive edge, an everyday athlete chasing a new challenge, or someone striving to become stronger and more confident, my goal is to help you discover what you're truly capable of.

My coaching combines athletic-style training, performance principles, and mindset development to help clients build strength, endurance, confidence, and resilience. Together, we'll focus on more than workouts—we'll develop the habits, discipline, and mental toughness that create lasting success both in and out of the gym.

Today, I continue to challenge myself through Hyrox competitions, running events, and daily training, because I believe growth never stops. The pursuit of potential is a lifelong journey, and I'm passionate about helping others embrace that process.

My mission is to help athletes and active individuals train with purpose, build confidence through action, and unlock the highest version of themselves—physically and mentally.

I help athletes improve their performance by building the physical strength and conditioning, mental resilience, and confidence needed to compete at their highest level. Through purposeful training and performance-focused coaching, I help athletes move better, recover faster, perform under pressure, and unlock their full potential both on and off the field of play.

Think strength training meets athletic development. We focus on movement quality, power, strength, conditioning, and mindset. Every session is designed to help you become stronger, more resilient, and more capable both in and out of the gym.

• Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

• Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Sports Management

• Former Collegiate Basketball Player (6 Years)

• Strength and Conditioning & Athletic Performance Coach

• Founder of Ellen McKenney Fitness LLC

• Specialized in Athletic Development, Functional Strength, and Performance Training

• Experience Coaching Active Adults, Former Athletes, and Performance-Oriented Clients

• Competitor in Hyrox and Endurance-Based Events

• Developed performance-focused training systems emphasizing strength, conditioning, resilience, and long-term athleticism

• Advocate for integrating mindset development and performance psychology into fitness coaching

The best coach I ever had was my high school volleyball coach. He pushed me to be better than I thought I could be while still making me feel supported and understood. They set high standards, held me accountable, and genuinely cared about me as both an athlete and a person.

What stood out most was their ability to build confidence through challenge. They didn’t just tell me what to do—they helped me believe I was capable of more. That experience shaped how I coach today: combining high expectations with real support to help people unlock their full potential physically and mentally.

My coaching and online programs are built on one core belief: every athlete has untapped potential—physically and mentally—and my job is to help bring it out through purposeful training, structure, and accountability.

Athletes can expect programs that are challenging, athletic, and performance-driven. I focus on building strength, speed, endurance, and confidence while also developing discipline, resilience, and consistency. Every session and program is designed with intention so athletes can improve performance and see real carryover to sport, fitness, and overall capability.

Parents can expect a coaching environment that prioritizes long-term development as much as performance. My programs emphasize not just physical improvement, but also habits, mindset, accountability, and confidence—skills that carry far beyond athletics.

Whether in-person or online, my goal is the same: to develop complete athletes with strong bodies, sharp minds, and the confidence to perform at their highest level while growing into capable, well-rounded individuals.