Coaches
Vince LaFashia
Owner & Ironman Certified Coach
Vince’s coaching attitude encompasses balance, patience, and adaptability. He recognizes athletes juggle many competing priorities and responsibilities and strives to understand his clients as individuals, not just athletes. Vince is a true student of the sport: He continually researches the latest equipment, strength and mobility exercises, and nutrition offered to triathletes. Vince educates himself (and his athletes) by reading reviews, watching videos, and listening to podcasts to understand how to continually elevate his coaching and his athletes’ performances.
Margaret LaFashia
Owner
Margaret is simply born to coach. She craves mentoring others, and eagerly shares secrets of the trade to guide people to success. She is passionate about her teammates and those on her coaching roster, and is wholly dedicated to helping them achieve their goals. She also infuses her coaching philosophy with balance. Margaret and her husband, Speed Sherpa Coach Vince LaFashia, like to mix triathlon training with gravel riding or running with their pack of dogs, and beach time in Cape May!
Kim Wikel
USAT Level 1 Certified Coach
Kim got her start in multi-sport racing in 2009, when her sister begged her to join her in this thing called triathlon! After placing 1st AG in her inaugural race (riding a $50 mountain bike!!), she was captivated. Always looking to challenge herself, Kim increased training through the years to work up from sprint to the 140.6 distance. Now, after 30 years of soccer and high school track, she has found her love in triathlon and road-racing.
Kim’s philosophy of sport focuses on “Believe in Better.” She encourages athletes to focus inward and work at bettering their own individual performance, drive, and attitude, rather than comparing to others. She considers the small building blocks of training just as important and worth celebrating as the significant competitions. Kim has the skills and understanding to work with new athletes, and because she trains to win, she has the experience and drive to train elite athletes, as well.
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Kim resides in Ohio with her husband- also a triathlete and runner, and puppy Carli, who enjoys training and cheering Kim on at races! She spends her days as a teacher and coach to high school students- including teaching classes such as Food and Fitness and Healthy Foods.
Clarice Chastang
USAT Level 1 Certified Coach
Clarice is an accomplished Asian-American female professional triathlete, known for her dedication to promoting diversity within the sport. Her advocacy has garnered attention from various media outlets, including USAT and Ironman.
Her journey into endurance sports began during her time at Syracuse University, where she was a member of the triathlon club. Since then, Clarice has made significant strides in her career, competing in her first Ironman event in 2017 and later earning a spot at the Ironman World Championships in 2019. Her success led her to obtain her professional triathlete license in November 2020, marking the beginning of her professional career in 2021.
Clarice has coached athletes of all levels, from beginners tackling their first triathlons to seasoned competitors aiming for World Championships. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes instilling confidence in her athletes while encouraging them to savor every moment of their journey, from each stroke in the water to every pedal and stride forward.
Clarice also holds a certification in youth and junior coaching.
Amanda Denney
USAT Level 1 Certified Coach
Amanda's entry into triathlon racing was from a standing start, with no prior triathlon experience. Through sheer determination, marked by intense effort and perseverance, she progressed rapidly, consistently achieving age-group wins and top-ten finishes in Ironman competitions. Triathlon training became a core passion, which she now channels into coaching. She empowers athletes to surpass their perceived limits, guiding them to finish lines and even world championship qualifications.
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For over 15 years, Amanda has served as an Athletic Trainer at Wilmington University, specializing in injury prevention and rehabilitation, ensuring athletes maintain long-term health in their collegiate careers. Supplementing this, her certified personal training expertise caters to diverse fitness levels.
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In November 2022, Amanda became a mother to Ryan. Six months later, she completed her first postpartum Ironman 70.3. Her commitment to the sport remains steadfast, even with the demands of motherhood. She maintained running throughout her pregnancy, notably competing in the Boston Marathon at six weeks and a half marathon at 26 weeks. Now, she is dedicated to supporting other postpartum mothers in their return to athletic pursuits.
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Amanda's guiding principles for success are unwavering self-belief, persistent dedication, trust in the training process, and a commitment to healthy training and racing.
Leslie Neff
Ironman Certified Coach
Leslie grew up playing competitive sports in high school and was a Cycling Instructor and HIIT Group Exercise coach at her local YMCA when she was asked by a friend to sign up for her first triathlon. She never looked back.
Despite not having a background in swimming when she entered her first multi-sport racing event in 2010, Leslie worked extremely hard over the years to become a competitive triathlete - she quickly went from completing two sprints and an Olympic distance in her first year of competition into a 70.3 and 140.6 in her second and third years respectively.
Leslie’s approach to training is simple. “Be fiercely competitive and fiercely humble.” This mantra extends to her coaching. She also believes that participation in triathlon is a lifestyle that will involve big goals and challenges, but at the end of day there is enjoyment and balance. Leslie is very motivated to build resilient and tenacious athletes and help them achieve their personal goals while keeping balance in their lives.
Leslie lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and dog, Moosh, who enjoys running with her. Leslie also works full time as a counselor for Veterans at a local VA Hospital.
Katie Silfies
Ironman Certified Coach
Katie's life-long passion for running began at a young age after her first race with her Dad. She went on to run cross country and track in high school and college. Katie caught the triathlon bug in 2009: Finding success in local races, Katie decided to aim for bigger goals. Indeed, after competing well in Escape from Alcatraz, she set her sights on Kona. In 2012, Katie enlisted Coach Dave to take her racing to the next level. She went from placing in her age group to winning overall. Ultimately that year she qualified not only for the Ironman World Championship, but also for the ITU Sprint World Championships, earning a spot on Team USA.
Katie believes in training smart; that everything you will do as athlete/coach will have a purpose. She believes “we are never done growing, and we always have more to learn. Small accomplishments should be celebrated just as much as big accomplishments." It is her goal to help you reach your full potential as an athlete.
Alison McCann
RRCA Level 1 Run Coach
For Alison, it all began with a simple 5K more than a decade ago. That one race has led to countless running events and now triathlons. She shares her passion with others through coaching and aims to enable her athletes to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Her enthusiasm for the sport is evident as she is on the board of Pike Creek Valley Running Club and Tri-Dawgs Multisport Club.
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Alison believes that consistency, life balance and individualized training are essential. She encourages a program specifically designed toward the athlete that develops strength, speed and endurance while remaining injury free and full of joy. She is successful in keeping her athletes healthy and happy by sprinkling in a variety workouts and supplemental strength training. Alison's athletes reach their goals because she builds their confidence and helps them redefine their limits.
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Alison lives in Landenberg, PA with her husband Jon, her kids Jack and Alyssa and 3 pets; Milo, Silver and Mini.
Jonathan Schmidt
USAT Level 1 & Ironman Certified Coach
Jonathan isn't just an elite coach—he embodies the discipline, resilience, and 'long game' philosophy that defines successful
endurance sport. With a journey spanning marathons, multiple Ironmans, and even ultramarathons, Jonathan brings a wealth of hard-earned experience to every training plan. He knows what it takes to get to the finish line, from first-timers to seasoned athletes.
Here’s a snapshot of his expertise:
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The Long Game: Guiding athletes toward durable, long-term success.
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Certified Pro: USAT Level 1, Ironman U, and Endurance Sports Coaching Institute certified.
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Ironman All World: A 2x Ironman AWA ranking, with 4x full and 3x 70.3 finishes.
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His passion is helping YOU pay it forward by achieving your dream goals.
