Sara Carlesimo

        Meet Sara!  In her own words, she is a busy mom of two, lawyer, small business owner and competitive endurance athlete!  From a young age in Rumson, New Jersey, Sara embraced the world of sports, starting with swimming and soccer at just 5 years old. Throughout high school, she passionately participated in swimming, soccer, and track, competing as a three-sport athlete. 

        Her athletic journey continued at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, where Sara not only excelled as a competitive swimmer but also in track and field. She was a pivotal member of the Women’s Swimming Centennial Conference Championship team in 2004 and 2005.  Sara seamlessly balanced her athletic pursuits with academic excellence, earning her Juris Doctor at Brooklyn Law School. She went on to practice laws in various roles at several large financial firms in  New York.  She currently serves as associate general counsel at a hedge fund/broker-dealer. 

        Post-law school, Sara’s commitment to athletics persisted. Transitioning to triathlons and mid-distance running races, she achieved remarkable feats, including a full marathon, an ultra 50k, a 10k open water swim, three Ironman 70.3 races, and even a full Ironman. She has also participated in hybrid races like Hyrox and Deka.  She even clinched first-place titles and qualified for the 2021 and 2022 Hyrox World Championships in US Women’s Doubles.  Sara thrives on competition and pushing herself to reach her fullest potential.  

        Beyond her personal fitness journey, Sara shares her passion for health and wellness with others. The importance of fitness and sports in her life prompted her to open two Alpha Fit Clubs in Basking Ridge and Princeton, NJ, part of the brand’s franchise expansion. Sara aims to inspire her gym members, her two children, and also herself, proving that you can accomplish anything at any age, and adopt a fitness regime that works with a busy lifestyle in order to meet your goals

        Looking ahead to 2024, Sara remains committed to her fitness goals, planning to compete in another Hyrox competition and Ironman 70.3, with the anticipation of competing in other hybrid endurance races. Her focus extends beyond personal achievement, driven by the desire to inspire others.  Her accomplishments so far are beyond impressive, and there is so much more to come! Read all about Sara and her athletic journey! 

        Screen Shot 2024-01-05 at 7.53.24 PM

Q: What sports did you play growing up?

        I did swimming, soccer, and track.

Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?

        I was nervous about not being as good as other players, however remaining dedicated and not giving up over the years, I ended up being a top performer on all of my teams.

Q: What female athletes (or any athletes) did you look up to?

        Amanda Beard (Olympic swimmer), Mia Hamm, Monica Seles and Lindsay Davenport (my parents were huge tennis fans)

Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?

        One of my favorite memories is a more recent one, and it was hearing the announcer say “you are an Ironman” as I crossed the finish line in Ironman Maryland in September (I promise the glory days do not end in high school)!

Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?

       Sports has always provided a way for me to build confidence and forge relationships with like minded people. I always felt supported by my coaches and teammates to keep pushing and improving. Sports also kept me disciplined in school, with time management and prioritization. I owe much of my success and ability to wear many hats and juggle all of my obligations to playing sports. The dedication, focus and discipline that comes along with being part of a team and showing up for yourself and others is an invaluable life lesson.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are just starting off in sports?

      If you are interested in something, go for it. If you fail, try again. There is never harm in trying, as it will always serve as a learning tool for improvement or will send you on a different path that you will excel at. There will always be someone new up and coming, someone faster, someone stronger, focus on you and your goals. Always be supportive of your teammates and others on and off the field, the gym, the pool etc. Finally, inclusion is the best act of kindness.

image32

Leave a comment