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.
On Sunday, October 5th, every member of TEAM Waco proudly crossed the finish line at IRONMAN 70.3 Waco. Congratulations, TEAM Waco—we are so proud of your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to representing our community!
What does being selected for TEAM Waco mean to you?
Drew Greenway
My name is Drew Greenway. I was born and raised in Arkansas but have lived in Waco, Texas, for the past 17 years, making me a VERY proud Wacoan. My wife, Paige, and I have three amazing boys—Shep (12), Reeves (9), and Zane (5)—and a very spoiled bernedoodle named George. I’m a pastor at Harris Creek, where I lead worship and run a 12-step ministry called Re:Generation. One of my greatest joys is seeing people recover from addictions they thought were impossible to overcome. I view my role on TEAM Waco in a similar way. While it’s a different context, I’m excited to witness others achieving goals they once thought out of reach, and I can’t wait to experience that alongside them! I’ve always wanted to complete an IROMAN 70.3 and a full Ironman, and training alongside fellow Wacoans will make it even more fun.Why suffer alone when you can suffer together? Team Waco offers a great opportunity to set goals for 2025 with accountability and community to achieve them. What a gift!
Waco Sports Commission, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making dreams a reality for us sponsored athletes this year. Let’s do this.
Dawn Jones
I’m Dawn Jones, a 51-year-old mother of two grown children and a proud grandma. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, I faced many challenges growing up, including a difficult childhood and divorce. At six, I was adopted by my grandma, who became my hero and taught me that I could achieve anything. Her wisdom continues to guide me today. At 17, I joined the Marine Corps as a Paralegal, serving for six years. One of my proudest moments was earning the Molly Marine award, which honors leadership and selflessness. After my service, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies and worked in the field for over 20 years. In 2017, my family moved to Waco, and in 2020, I returned to school to become a Physical Therapy Assistant, graduating in 2023. That same year, my 27-year marriage ended unexpectedly, and I leaned on my faith and passion for fitness to heal. My CrossFit community helped me rebuild. Joining TEAM Waco will help me take my fitness to new heights and inspire others, especially women, to reclaim their strength and embrace new seasons. 2025 is my year of renewal, and I’m excited to share this journey with TEAM Waco.
Long Nguyen
My name is Long Nguyen, and I’m honored to be part of TEAM Waco 2025! Overcoming challenges—immigrating to a new country, learning a new language, and facing cultural differences—has taught me perseverance. These experiences have pushed me to adapt, work harder, and step outside my comfort zone. My goal with TEAM Waco is to challenge myself, build endurance, and grow both physically and mentally. But beyond personal growth, I’m excited to connect with others who share a passion for pushing limits and achieving goals. Being part of this team means joining a supportive community that lifts each other up, and I hope to inspire others in the process. TEAM Waco gives me the coaching, tools, and encouragement I need to overcome my biggest challenges—running and swimming—and connect with others in a meaningful way. To the McLennan County community, I want to share this message with the McLennan County community: Every journey starts somewhere, and growth happens with perseverance and the willingness to take that first step!
Rafael Medina
I’m the son of Rebecca and Teodolo Gaytan, born and raised in Waco. My journey is fueled by a passion for a better life, not just for myself but for those who’ve believed in me. With TEAM Waco, I hope to inspire others to believe in themselves. Through trial and error, God’s guidance, and TEAM Waco’s support, I aim to make my people proud.
I’ll leave you with a poem I wrote for myself:
I’m a runner, and I’d like to think I’ve lived my life running towards where I need to be. Running is an art, and many run in many ways. Some run for something greater, while others run without direction. The trapped run to be free, as the coward runs to hide. People can lose themselves running, but I always find so much more. To run is to leave behind a trace where you’ve been, with every step you throw your body to the ground and push yourself in new directions. We will always be running; wild, into others, away, out of time. Running is an art, and many run in many ways. Let your mind run free, and let your heart race.
Cesia Sanchez
I’m new to Waco and have loved making this city my home. I teach economics at Baylor University, inspiring world changers, and I consider myself a daughter of Papa God, deepening my understanding of His fatherhood. My brother’s passing taught me the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In his final years, he often expressed a desire to run. I now run in his memory, and it’s become a part of my spiritual journey—praying and processing with Papa God during my outdoor runs and walks. My goal with TEAM Waco is to build meaningful relationships while transforming into the best athletes we can be. I’m determined to cross the finish line, and I know the mentorship, encouragement, and support from TEAM Waco will help me achieve that.The health journey, especially training for something like IRONMN, is not just about physical transformation but soul healing. My aim is to use this journey to become the living sacrifice I was made to be, reflecting the transformation of Papa God’s work in me, not the struggles I’ve faced.
Let’s do this together!
Jose Vallejo
“Being on TEAM Waco for IRONMAN 70.3 Waco meant stepping into something greater than myself. It was about joining a group of people that represents resilience, grit, and the spirit of Waco itself. The commitment to train for months, pushing past physical and mental barriers, was challenging. But knowing I was surrounded by a team of people who showed up every day with the same determination made every sacrifice worthwhile.
This experience has shown me that there’s something powerful about being part of a team that wants you to succeed as much as they want to succeed themselves. They taught me that the IRONMAN is more than a test of endurance; it’s a journey of support, friendship, and shared goals. We’ve sweated, struggled, and celebrated each small achievement together. Each swim, bike, and run session felt like a new milestone, shared with people who understand the commitment and have your back every step of the journey.
Let’s do it again next year!!!”
Shannon Best
“TEAM Waco 2024 has profoundly impacted my life, shaping me in ways I never anticipated. Being on this team has been a transformative journey, boosting my self-confidence and helping me embrace a healthier body image. Each workout pushed me beyond my limits, allowing me to recognize my strength and resilience. Experiencing and overcoming an injury humbled me when I needed it most.
The camaraderie and support among teammates, past teammates, and sponsors truly set TEAM Waco apart. I’ve met incredible individuals who prioritize fitness, community, and faith, all while encouraging one another to grow. These friendships have enriched my life, providing a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Together, we celebrated achievements—big and small—fostering an environment where everyone felt valued.
TEAM Waco 2024 has inspired me to improve my physical well-being and instilled a deeper sense of faith and community in my life. I am immensely grateful for this journey and the lasting connections I’ve made. Being part of this team has truly changed my perspective, making me feel empowered and ready to take on new challenges.”
Chris Wills
“It was a thrill to be chosen for the first relay team for Team Waco. For someone not ready to take on the whole IRONMAN 70.3, this was a wonderful option.
Being on the relay team added pressure to train since someone depended on me. As the cyclist, I typically trained three days a week. I had never experienced training within a community before. Saturdays became our long rides with Team Waco athletes and friends who enjoyed cycling together. Many memories were made on these rides. When we weren’t climbing hills, we shared great conversations. The experienced riders offered tips and checked in on us. Those rides were a highlight for me.
Not every day was easy, and I didn’t always want to get back on the bike. However, I had a supportive team and a relay teammate who encouraged me on tough days. This accountability kept us going and translates to all areas of my life—the more accountability, the better. I truly appreciated the strength of teamwork in pursuing challenging goals.
Race day was a blast. Seeing the training and hard work come together was incredible. We received amazing support from our sponsors and TEAM Waco alumni. This experience will be a highlight of my life, and I’m grateful for it!”
Thanks To Our Partners!
