Lisa Holt

Meet Coach Lisa

Lisa is from Central NY and has always been active. She started running as a karate student at age 5, and hated it. Yet, she chose to run in HS and fell in love with the sport while competing in HS and at SUNY Cortland. In 2008, Lisa qualified for the NCAA Division III championships as an individual, and a year later she helped her team qualify.

Upon graduating, Lisa moved to Ithaca, NY, where she completed a Masters in Exercise Science and Sports Studies. While at Ithaca College, she developed her passion for coaching, working with the women's XC and Track & Field teams. In the fall of 2012, Lisa started working with the women's XC and Track & Field, programs at Cornell University.

Lisa left coaching at Cornell in the fall of 2016 to pursue a career in the health and wellness industry. She found her dream job as a Fitness Specialist in a hospital in NH, working with the geriatric population to help them keep moving and build strength while being a friendly face always ready to lend an ear. In 2019, Lisa moved back home to Syracuse to be closer to her family, where she now resides and works for Coeur Sports!

In her spare time, Lisa enjoys riding her bike on country roads, in single track trails as a coach with the NICA Sharks Team, and on gravel with her Husband, Zach, and of course, her two pups, Hollie and Sage.

How long have you been coaching?

Since 2010

What motivated you to begin coaching?

While in HS, I volunteered for our summer community track program because I wanted to spread the joy of running and encourage kids to keep moving. After my college experiences, I wanted to be a change, and help other female athletes balance running and school. Helping others reach goals, push their limits and navigate life's ups and downs is why I coach.

Types of athletes or race distances you prefer to coach?

I love working with all distances and types of athletes. I think as long as there's trust, hard work and communication that's when we reach success.

What is your coaching philosophy?

Having been through real rough patches in sport, I want my athletes to enjoy the process and the grind of training. Everyday may not be fun, but overall the experience and balance in life is key. I expect my athletes to work hard but also understand there are more important aspects of life.

Coaching certifications and experience

USAT Level 1 Certified Coach

USATF Level 1 Certified Coach

B.S. in Kinesiology

M.S. in Exercise Science and Sports Studies, focus on Human Performance

How did you get into the sport?

Lisa has always used sport as an outlet, a free space to be herself and running was a natural fit. However, while Lisa continued to train while pursuing her Masters, she was plagued with injuries. Friends convinced her to participate in her first sprint triathlon, despite not knowing how to swim. After 4 triathlons (a sprint, an oly and two 70.3s), Lisa tackled her first Ironman in 2014, at Lake Placid, and now she's hooked!

Lisa feels sport keeps her grounded, let's her be herself and keeps her world centered. As someone who has struggled with mental health since middle school, Lisa views sport as life saver.