TEAM Waco
TEAM Waco is an initiative created to help break down physical, mental, and financial barriers for athletes aspiring to compete in IRONMAN 70.3 Waco.
Through partnerships with local businesses, Waco Sports champions the Greater Waco community by providing sponsorships, each valued at $6,500, to empower athletes and break down these barriers.
Meet the members of TEAM Waco 2026 & read their story:
Sean Noranbrock
I’m excited for the opportunity to grow as an athlete while representing TEAM Waco. I served in the Army for 20 years, and after retiring, I struggled more than expected. I felt lost, battled depression, and gained a significant amount of weight. By the start of 2025, I knew something had to change.
In January 2025, I took the first step by joining a spin class, and it quickly became a turning point. I began riding regularly, joined a local cycling club, and as my confidence grew, I added running and swimming. Before long, triathlon training became my new mission.
My goal is to raise awareness about physical fitness and highlight the mental and physical benefits of an active lifestyle. There may be people in the Waco area who are in the same place I once was, and I want them to know that change is possible.
TEAM Waco will help me continue growing as a triathlete while giving me a platform to share my story, encourage others, and represent Waco with pride. I’m honored to promote the Greater Waco Sports Commission and its sponsors. If my journey inspires one person to take that first step, it will be worth it.
Paul Payne
I grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, where I became an aircraft mechanic. In 2012, I moved to Waco to work for a local rocket company, and since then Waco has truly become home. I met my wife, Jessica, after a delayed flight from DFW to Waco that turned into a rental car, a first date, and eventually our two boys, Sam (3) and Archer (1).
In April 2024, during a routine doctor’s visit for stomach pain, blood work revealed my blood sugar was high. After additional tests, I was diagnosed with diabetes and immediately started multiple medications. That evening, watching my then 1-year-old and my pregnant wife playing, I knew something had to change.
I set a goal to get off all medication through consistent training and disciplined nutrition. After nine months, I had lost 70 pounds and was able to stop all medications. Over the next year, wagon walks turned into stroller runs, and I began entering local races, culminating with the Waco Tri.
This opportunity from the Waco Sports Commission and its sponsors will help me keep pushing my physical limits while encouraging others. My hope is to show that healthy habits create real physical and mental change.
Monica Rohre
Team Waco is more than a group—it reflects who we are and what our community can achieve when people come together with purpose. I believe in service, unity, and the power of local leadership to create real change. My goal is to help build a stronger, more connected McLennan County, where individuals, families, and organizations work side by side to support one another.
Through TEAM Waco, I hope to encourage collaboration, promote positive growth, and create opportunities for everyone in our community to thrive. Being part of a team means recognizing that our experiences, skills, and perspectives strengthen us all. TEAM Waco listens to the needs of our neighbors, supports local initiatives, and builds partnerships that benefit the community.
My focus is not only on tackling physical events, but also on celebrating the strengths and successes our team demonstrates together. I aim to continue growing TEAM Waco as a space where people feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to contribute. By working together, we can foster relationships, encourage civic engagement, and create positive impact throughout the county. TEAM Waco represents collaboration, commitment, and community pride, and I am proud to be part of a team dedicated to making McLennan County better.
Brenda Rodriguez
I believe that no matter what stage of life someone is in, any able-bodied person has the opportunity to make small daily changes that can improve their quality of life. Through this journey, I hope to inspire others to face themselves with self-awareness and accountability, and to pursue a more meaningful life that creates a positive ripple effect within their families and communities.
My goal is to encourage others to increase their daily movement—even if it simply means going for a walk. Movement is a gift and a privilege we often take for granted. Taking care of our bodies as temples is both a responsibility and an act of worship, not only in what we avoid, but in the actions we take to strengthen our health.
Tiffany Spicer
I am a mother, daughter, leader, and educator who is deeply passionate about serving others, prioritizing family, and practicing self-care. Throughout my life, I have struggled with weight fluctuations, insecurities, and self-confidence. I haven’t always been the person people see today. A health scare involving a close family member gave me a wake-up call and reminded me how important it is to care for myself—not only for me, but for my children and family. I want to model the life and habits I hope they will embrace.
Since then, I’ve worked intentionally to care for my mind, body, and soul. I never believed I could run a 10K, a half marathon, or a full marathon—yet I did. Each step reminded me that many limits are simply stories we tell ourselves.
As an educator and leader, I believe it’s important to model perseverance, discipline, and resilience. Our students, staff, families, and communities watch what we do, not just what we say. When they see us set goals and push through challenges, they learn that growth happens outside our comfort zones.
I applied for Team Waco because it’s a chance to challenge myself and inspire others to believe they can do hard things.
Thanks To Our Partners!
