TEAM Waco
TEAM Waco is an initiative created in hopes to knock down physical, mental, or financial barriers for athletes wishing to participate in IRONMAN 70.3 Waco.
Waco Sports partners with local businesses to help champion the Greater Waco community by providing sponsorships, which are valued at $6500 each, to overcome these barriers.
We are excited to announce TEAM Waco 2025!
What did TEAM Waco mean to you this year?
Emma Cartisano
TEAM Waco allowed me to fulfill my dream of completing IRONMAN 70.3…but it came with a challenge; I had to confront my fear of failure and how others perceived me as I took up space sharing my story. I couldn’t play small or make myself invisible, and that was scary. But my desire to prove that I can do hard things won. And on this side of Waco 70.3, I’m so glad I bravely said yes.
TEAM Waco provided the most incredible (new) community in a season when my support network was crumbling. These strangers-turned-friends believed in me (for me) for months until I built MY self-confidence. I slowly allowed them to see all of me and, in that, found healing and freedom from many of the narratives that kept me playing small. And now, I feel empowered to bravely try more things that are scary yet exciting. I rediscovered hope, possibility, and dreams for the future. Life is better when we invite others into our trying and struggling and trying again in pursuit of the things that set our souls ablaze. It’s amazing what’s possible when opportunities, resources, and hard work come together at the right time.
Robert Gonzales
“Imagine scrolling through social media and seeing an ad for TEAM Waco. You discover it offers a scholarship to train for IRONMAN. To complicate matters, you have a disability involving spinal fusion and have endured multiple knee surgeries. This was my reality when I first learned about this incredible opportunity.
When I received the call from Mike that I made TEAM Waco, I had just faced a setback with my back giving out, and doubt began to creep in. However, bonding with my teammates helped me through those challenging moments. Our connection grew from friendship to family, and I can’t imagine my life without them. Although our unique backgrounds meant we probably wouldn’t have met otherwise, we came together to share meals, laughter, and moments of vulnerability. This incredible support system made everything possible for me. None of this would have happened without the opportunity from the Sports Commission. I am deeply grateful for the friendships I’ve formed and the shared experiences that have truly enriched my life.
I found the sense of family and friendship in Team Waco 2024 invaluable. My teammates lifted me up during tough times, and I was there for them. The medal I earned for completing the Ironman is meaningful, but the achievement lies in our shared journey. I hope our story continues through our lasting friendships.
Thank you, Team Waco 2024, especially Mike and Rachel, for this amazing journey!”
Regan Haddock
“TEAM Waco was an incredible experience that brought together ordinary strangers who became friends—friends who struggled, triumphed, laughed, and cried together. It created a community we didn’t know we needed, filled with individuals who became our mentors and biggest supporters. Through this journey, we were offered opportunities we could never have accessed on our own, including coaching, podcasts, and various volunteer experiences.
Our sponsors went above and beyond to ensure we were fully equipped for success in training and race day. Notable sponsors like Kim from Yoga8, Body Hack Labs, Bear Mountain Bike, Erika at Active Therapy, the Greater Waco YMCA, my swim coach Tiffany from Sigma, and my coach Mike with NVDM Coaching significantly impacted our journey. Additionally, Rachel from the Greater Waco Sports Commission served as the heartbeat of the team, providing essential support and organization.
On a personal level, TEAM Waco gave me purpose while I dealt with the loss of my sweet mom. It motivated me to get out of bed when I just wanted to cry and helped me realize my strength—mentally, physically, and emotionally. Despite facing challenges, including family health concerns and a dislocated shoulder, I surprised myself on race day with two personal records. I encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and dream big. If you dream of being an IRONMAN, TEAM Waco is for you!”
Kaden Huff
“Being on TEAM Waco has been a tremendous blessing. Through this team, I discovered the triathlon community, and my teammates who have become lifelong friends, family, and my greatest supporters. In July, I fell off my bike and broke three fingers on my left hand. Had I been riding alone, the situation could have been much worse. Thankfully, my teammates ensured I received the medical attention I needed and continued their support through calls, texts, and visits, often bringing food and encouragement.
Joining TEAM Waco has also deepened my connections within the community. I’ve met members of the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and benefited from services offered by sponsors like Active Therapy Alliance and Bear Mountain—opportunities I believe wouldn’t have happened without this team.
Through the challenges I’ve faced, I’ve grown stronger mentally. Completing IRONMAN 70.3 serves as a visible demonstration of my often invisible struggles. As someone who has overcome many obstacles, I firmly believe that “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” By conquering this physical challenge, I hope to inspire others to tackle their own struggles. Completing IRONMAN Waco 70.3 has also motivated me to attempt the IRONMAN 140.6, and I’m excited to continue to expand my triathlon community.”
Troy Roenfanz
Being part of TEAM Waco has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Completing an IRONMAN fulfilled a lifelong dream, all thanks to an amazing coach. A few highlights from this journey include deepening my relationship with my wife through our shared swimming and cycling and losing over thirty pounds, which has made me feel stronger than I have in years.
Inspired by my journey, high school students and fellow faculty members were encouraged to volunteer at IRONMAN 70.3 Waco and to dream about completing an Ironman themselves. Connections with our amazing team sponsors strengthened, while team dinners became opportunities for great food, deep conversations, and laughter. Through these experiences, lifelong friendships formed, and I became part of the Team Waco family forever. This journey not only led to new goals for the upcoming year but also ignited a desire to coach others in reaching their aspirations. I honored my mom, who passed away nine years ago from a heart attack, by embracing this path. Most importantly, each day brought me closer to my Lord and Savior, reinforcing the belief that, by His grace, all things—including the hard ones—are possible, allowing me to give Him all the glory.
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!
