Community Highlights: Meet Shawn Brokemond of Sports Adventure

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Brokemond.

Hi Shawn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Before I write my story I wanted to mention: My primary home market is the San Francisco Bay Area, where I am based and coach clients year-round. However, Atlanta has become an increasingly important market for my business through the wellness retreats and adventure experiences I host there. Following the success of our recent Serenbe retreat, I plan to continue offering events in the Atlanta area at least twice per year and perhaps quarterly. In addition, I work with clients virtually across the country and lead destination-based adventure experiences throughout the U.S.

I didn’t set out to build a fitness and adventure business. For 25 years, I was a teacher, and at my core I’ve always been passionate about helping people learn, grow, and discover what’s possible for themselves.

At the same time, I’ve spent most of my life pursuing adventure. Whether it was mountain biking, trail running, surfing, kayaking, sailing, or exploring the outdoors, I found that some of my greatest lessons about resilience, confidence, and personal growth happened outside in nature.

Over time, I began to see a connection between the classroom and the trail. In both places, people often underestimate what they are capable of. They doubt themselves, fear failure, or believe they need to be more prepared before they begin. What I learned is that confidence doesn’t come before action—it comes from taking the next step, especially when something feels challenging.

That realization led me to become a coach and eventually launch Sports Adventure. Today, I work primarily with women in midlife, helping them build strength, confidence, and a sense of possibility through movement and outdoor adventure. My coaching combines fitness, mindset, community, and experiences that challenge people in meaningful ways.

What started as personal training and mountain bike coaching has evolved into something much bigger. I now lead women’s retreats, hiking adventures, mountain biking experiences, and wellness programs that help people reconnect with themselves and discover what they are capable of. Whether it’s helping someone train for a major hiking event, navigate a life transition, or ride a mountain bike trail they never thought they could conquer, the goal is the same: helping people build trust in themselves.

One of the most rewarding parts of this work is seeing the transformation that happens beyond physical fitness. I’ve watched women leave jobs that no longer served them, take on new challenges, build meaningful friendships, and develop confidence that carries into every area of their lives.

Looking back, my path makes perfect sense. Teaching taught me how to guide people. Adventure taught me how to challenge myself. Coaching allows me to bring those two passions together. Today, my mission is simple: create experiences that help people become stronger, more confident, and more connected to the lives they want to live. I believe that adventure isn’t about conquering the hardest climb or riding the most challenging trail but about discovering what’s possible when you trust yourself enough to take the next step.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road.

One of the biggest challenges was leaving the security of a career I had spent 25 years building. Teaching was a huge part of my identity, and stepping away from something familiar to create my own business required a tremendous leap of faith.. And when I quite my job, I didn’t know what I was actually going to do. So It was huge! There were many moments when I questioned whether I was making the right decision.

Building a business from the ground up has also taught me lessons that no certification or course could have prepared me for. You’re not just doing the work you love; you’re also responsible for marketing, sales, operations, finances, customer service, and constantly adapting when things don’t go as planned. There have been retreats that didn’t fill as quickly as I hoped, programs that had to be reimagined, and plenty of moments where I wondered if I was doing enough.

One example that stands out is my recent wellness retreat I hosted outside of Atlanta. I poured my heart into creating that experience. I invested countless hours designing the programming, bringing in exceptional speakers, coordinating logistics, and creating an environment where women could truly feel seen, supported, and inspired. I even helped a couple of participants attend because I believed so strongly in what the retreat could offer them.

Financially, it wasn’t a success in the traditional sense. By the time everything was over, I hadn’t made money on the event. But I don’t regret it for a second. The women who attended formed deep connections, made meaningful changes in their lives, and left feeling stronger and more empowered. For me, that was a reminder that sometimes building something worthwhile requires patience and faith. I believe that if I continue delivering transformative experiences and serving people well, the business side will continue to grow alongside the impact.

As a woman in midlife, I’ve also experienced many of the same challenges my clients face. Life transitions, changing priorities, balancing family responsibilities, navigating aging, and figuring out how to reinvent yourself while staying true to who you are. In many ways, I have been living the same journey that many of the women I coach are navigating themselves.

That personal experience has become one of my greatest strengths. I understand what it feels like to stand at a crossroads and ask, “What’s next?” I know what it’s like to leave something comfortable in pursuit of something meaningful, even when there are no guarantees. Many of my clients come to me during seasons of reinvention, whether they’re changing careers, rebuilding confidence, prioritizing their health, or creating a new vision for the second half of their lives, and I can relate to that journey because I’ve walked it myself.

Perhaps the biggest lesson has been learning to trust the process. Growth rarely happens in a straight line. There are setbacks, disappointments, and moments of uncertainty. But I’ve learned that those moments often become the most valuable teachers.

Looking back, I’m grateful for the struggles because they’ve helped me become a better coach, leader, and entrepreneur. They allow me to genuinely understand what it’s like to face fear, take risks, and keep moving forward anyway. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it has been incredibly rewarding.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sports Adventure is a coaching and experiential wellness company that helps people become stronger, more confident, and more capable through movement, outdoor adventure, and community.

While I offer personal training, strength coaching, mountain bike coaching, and endurance training, what I really do is help people discover that they are capable of more than they think. Many of my clients come to me because they want to prepare for a hiking adventure, improve their fitness, learn to mountain bike, or navigate a major life transition. The physical goals are important, but often the biggest transformation happens internally.

I specialize in working with women in midlife who are ready to prioritize themselves, challenge limiting beliefs, and step into a stronger version of who they are. Through coaching, retreats, adventure experiences, and group programs, I create opportunities for women to build confidence, resilience, meaningful friendships, and a deeper connection to themselves.

What sets Sports Adventure apart is that I don’t believe fitness should be confined to four walls. While strength training is an important part of what I do, I also believe movement should be enjoyable, meaningful, and connected to real life.

Rather than having clients spend all of their time in a gym, I often incorporate what I call “mini adventures” into their training. Depending on their interests and goals, that might mean trail running through the Marin Headlands, hiking mountain trails, learning to mountain bike, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, or exploring a new outdoor environment together. I have found that when people get outside, something shifts. Nature has a powerful impact on our mental well-being, stress levels, creativity, and overall happiness. Training becomes less about checking a box and more about experiencing life.

Another aspect of my work that makes Sports Adventure unique is the level of connection I build with my clients. I don’t simply stand in the gym and point them in a direction, or hand them a weight, nor do I write workouts and send people on their way. I spend time with my clients in the gym, on trails, in the mountains, at rivers, and retreats. I learn about their goals, their fears, the challenges they’re facing, and the dreams they’re pursuing.

Over time, many of these relationships become much deeper than a traditional coach-client relationship. I have had the privilege of supporting women through career changes, confidence struggles, health challenges, grief, major life transitions, and personal reinvention. Fitness is often the entry point, but the work frequently extends far beyond physical health.

One of the things I am most proud of is the community that has grown from this work. I’ve watched women who were once strangers become close friends. I’ve seen clients leave jobs that no longer served them, take on new challenges, prioritize their health, and begin believing in themselves again. The transformations I witness are rarely just physical; they affect every aspect of a person’s life.

In addition to local coaching programs, I lead destination retreats and adventure experiences around the country. From wellness retreats designed specifically for Black women in midlife, to mountain biking experiences in Sedona, to adventures in the mountains of Idaho, that include fly fishing, hiking and everything gin between. Every experience is intentionally designed to create connection, growth, and lasting impact.

What I am most proud of brand-wise is that Sports Adventure has become a place where people feel supported, challenged, and seen. It is a space where women don’t have to prove themselves, compete, or keep up. Instead, they are encouraged to show up exactly as they are, take the next step, and discover what they’re capable of.

If there is one thing I want readers to know, it’s that adventure isn’t reserved for elite athletes or people who already feel confident. Adventure is for anyone willing to try something new, take a chance on themselves, and step outside their comfort zone. My mission is to create experiences that help people build strength, confidence, connection, and a sense of possibility. Because when people learn to trust themselves in an adventure, they often start trusting themselves in the rest of their lives as well.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
There is no question that my parents deserve a tremendous amount of credit for who I am today.

From a very young age, they supported my love of sports and adventure. They spent countless hours driving me to practices, games, meets, tournaments, and competitions. They invested their time, energy, and resources into helping me pursue the things I loved, often without expecting anything in return.

My dad, in particular, had a profound impact on my life. He didn’t just watch from the sidelines—he actively practiced with me, helped me improve, and encouraged me to keep pushing myself. More importantly, he taught me lessons that extend far beyond sports. He always told me to give 110%, dream big, and believe that I could accomplish anything if I was willing to work hard and commit to it. Having someone believe in you that deeply as a child is a gift, and it’s a belief I’ve carried with me throughout my life and career.

My husband also deserves enormous credit for the success of Sports Adventure and for helping me become the person I am today.

We have essentially grown up together, and throughout every stage of life he has been my biggest supporter, encourager, and champion. One of the most pivotal moments in my career came when I was considering leaving teaching after 25 years. I knew I was ready for something new, but I wasn’t entirely sure what that next chapter would look like. Leaving a stable career was scary, and I had a lot of uncertainty about whether I was making the right decision.

His response was simple: “Do what makes you happy.”

When I worried about what came next, he encouraged me to trust myself. When I questioned whether I should leave teaching, he reminded me that it was okay to create a different path. His belief in me gave me the courage to take a leap that I might not have taken otherwise.

He was also instrumental in helping shape many of the ideas behind Sports Adventure. Today, he continues to support the business and often works alongside me on larger adventure experiences as a guide.

What makes his support especially meaningful is the immense respect I have for him. He is one of the smartest and hardest-working people I know and a successful entrepreneur in his own right. Because he understands what it takes to build something from the ground up, his perspective carries a great deal of weight with me.

Over the years, he has watched me take on new challenges, step outside my comfort zone, and continually work to improve myself. When he notices the effort behind the scenes or tells me he is proud of what I have built, it means a great deal, not because I need his validation, but because it comes from someone whose work ethic, character, and judgment I deeply admire. I have always viewed him, along with my dad, as one of the hardest-working people I know. Knowing that he sees how hard I work and continue to grow is something I truly appreciate.

One of the things I value most about our relationship is that we genuinely support one another’s growth. We celebrate each other’s successes, encourage one another through challenges, and push each other to become better. Having a partner who believes in you, stands beside you, and supports your dreams is an incredible gift.

When I look at my life and career, I realize how fortunate I am to have had people who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. The confidence, resilience, and encouragement they gave me became the foundation for the work I do today.

I also owe a great deal to my clients. Every woman who has trusted me with her goals, her fears, her dreams, and her personal journey has shaped me as a coach. Their courage to try something new, step outside their comfort zone, and embrace adventure continues to inspire me every day. Watching their growth and transformation is one of the greatest privileges of my work.

If Sports Adventure has been successful, it is because I have been surrounded by people who encouraged me to dream big, take risks, and believe that meaningful things are possible.

Pricing:

• Pricing varies by service and experience. I prefer to discuss goals and recommend the most appropriate program before providing pricing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sportadven.com
• Instagram: sports_adven
• Facebook: Shawn Brokemond
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-brokemond-72a83460