I'm Elise.

How I got here

I grew up in New Jersey. Swimming and water polo took me to the Virginia Military Institute, where I competed Division I and earned a degree in civil engineering.

VMI is a place that tests you every day. I ended up as the first female Regimental Executive Officer in the school's history, and I learned a lot about leading people when the standard is high and the margin for error is small.

I serve in the Army. I deployed in 2017, and today I'm a Captain in the Army Reserve.

What I do now

Most of my week happens on the mat. I own Kickside Martial Arts, where I spend a lot of time helping people do things they didn't think they could. I also compete as a professional fighter in the UFC.

Teaching and competing turn out to be a good combination. One keeps me honest about how hard things actually are. The other reminds me how much people can grow when someone believes they can.

What I believe

I think most people are capable of a lot more than they realize. Capability gets built through experience, effort, and being willing to try things you might fail at.

I didn't always believe that about myself. When it was time to test for my black belt, I refused. I didn't think I was ready. My instructor pushed me to take it anyway. A lot of the best things that have happened to me since would never have happened if I'd held out.

Feelings are real. They just don't get to make every decision.

My faith shapes how I think about all of it. I believe hard seasons have value, even when the reason isn't obvious yet.