2023 FEMALE SUMMER COVER STAR STORY.
Believing In Yourself With Stephanie Coughlan An Olympic & Paralympic Sports Therapist Who Is Utilizing Her Social Media to Empower Women!
Q & A
1. What inspired you to become a sports therapist?
As an athlete, I've faced my share of physical challenges, especially dealing with scoliosis. I remember the relief that treatments like massages brought me. It wasn’t just about physical relief, but the mental boost too. Knowing that many others could benefit but don't have access just didn’t sit right with me. That’s why I wanted to help bridge that gap.
2. What do you specialize in as a sports therapist and who do you help?
I specialize in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization for elite athletes. Having had firsthand experience as a national athlete myself, I have a unique perspective on the physical and mental demands of high-level sports. I’ve recently been fortunate enough to work with some of the toughest fighters at Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand, and many of these athletes have gone on to make big waves in the UFC.
But my passion doesn't stop with elite athletes. I've also provided therapy for high-level musicians through Live Nation, addressing the unique strains that come with their profession.
Every day, I also work with ordinary people, helping them find relief from their aches and pains. Through techniques like mobile massage and hydrotherapy, I've been able to help countless people feel better and move more freely in their day-to-day lives. To me, everyone deserves to feel their best, whether they're stepping into the UFC octagon, performing on the Olympic stage, or simply playing with their kids at the park.
Photographer: @ajkphotography of Stephani C. in Calgary.
3. How did you become involved in working with Olympic and Paralympic athletes?
My own journey as a national athlete gave me many contacts. Those friendships and bonds lasted even after my active sports days. I felt this pull to give back to the community that once supported me. Starting out in Calgary, I met Morgan Bird, a Paralympian swimmer. The experience working with her went so well that it opened doors to work with Team Canada’s Paralympic team. I then had the privilege to work with another multi-Olympian, Brent Hayden, who brought his knowledge over to the first year of the Toronto Titans.
4. What motivated you to become a fitness model?
Having competed as an athlete my whole life, I wanted to find a new way to challenge myself.
Post-kids, getting back in shape was a journey of self-discovery. I had lost a part of who I was in the daily hustle. As I began feeling more fit, photographer friends mentioned I should shoot with them. Some naysayers believed I was "too old,”to model (I’m 46), but that only stoked the fire in me. I wanted to show them and others that age is just a number. You can do anything regardless of your age.
Photographer: @jennabeckphotographer
5. How has social media played a role in your empowerment mission?
Social media has played a crucial role in my mission to empower others. It all started when I took a leap of faith, sharing parts of my story and raw emotions online. The positive feedback I received was totally unexpected. Thousands of women resonated with my journey, struggles, and triumphs. It became bigger than just my story; it became a shared experience. It's both humbling and empowering to know you're not alone in your struggles.
6. How has your own journey shaped your perspectives on women's empowerment?
Life's taught me that it’s okay to have off days, to not always have it together. Behind every picture-perfect post is a real human with real struggles. It’s time we shift our focus from just double-tapping on images to genuinely supporting one another. I have bad hair days. I have days when I don’t want to get out of bed. Everybody has moments where they feel vulnerable or insecure, but that’s okay. We’re human beings and that means we’re perfectly imperfect by design.
Feb. 13th, 2023. You can listen to her interview with us on Spotify Podcasts as well.
7. What advice would you give to women who are struggling with self-esteem?
Words matter. The way we talk to ourselves frames our self-worth. The world can be tough enough; we shouldn’t be tough on ourselves too. It's about finding little acts of self-love – whether it’s complimenting yourself, wearing that dress you love, or simply enjoying a quiet bath. Take time to learn how to treat yourself better and watch how your whole life changes.
8. How do you balance being a mother with your career aspirations?
Balancing motherhood and career dreams isn’t easy. It’s a daily juggle. But it’s crucial for my kids to see their mom chase her dreams, to know that they can aspire for the same. The support of family and friends is my backbone. Making time to just be "in the moment" with my kids is my grounding force.
9. Can you speak to the importance of positive female role models for children?
I think children, especially girls, need to see how strong women actually are.
When I was growing up, strong female role models were scarce. Yet, figures like Serena Williams stood out. Our kids need to see more of this – women breaking barriers. It shouldn't be an anomaly but the norm. Success isn’t gender-specific. Women can be just as powerful as anybody else.
10. How do you maintain mental and physical wellness in your daily life?
My faith anchors me, and my loved ones are my sounding board. Talking, sharing, and just being heard does wonders for mental health. On the physical side, activities like swimming and Muay Thai are not just workouts for the body but therapy for the mind. Wellness is a complete package in my eyes.
Photographer: @ajkphotography of Stephani C. in Calgary.
11. Can you tell us about a moment in your life where you had to push beyond perceived limits?
Becoming a single mom was my world turning upside down. It wasn’t just about financial reset and selling everything I owned, but rediscovering who Stephanie was beyond the roles I played. I had to dig deep, to reconnect with my passions and aspirations, all while being there for my kids.
12. How do you envision continuing to empower women in the future?
Every story, including mine, has the power to inspire. If my journey can help even one woman find her worth, then it's a win. From speaking at events to celebrating other women’s achievements, I want to be a catalyst for change by continuing to share my voice with the world.
13. What is the most rewarding aspect of your work as a sports therapist?
It's that moment when an athlete, after countless hours of training and therapy, reaches their goal. Their joy, that sparkle in their eyes – be it from making it to a local competition or the grand stage of the Olympics – is indescribable.
14. How do you approach setbacks in your life?
I look at setbacks as opportunities for learning. In my opinion, life isn’t about avoiding falls but about learning from them. Every setback hides a lesson. Instead of dwelling on the fall, I focus on the get-up. Because bouncing back is where the real story is. Its about how many times you get back up in the face of adversity.
15. How do you stay motivated to pursue your goals and empower others despite obstacles?
Life's challenges are like ladder rungs. Each step, no matter how tough, is a step upward. You can’t skip steps in life. Yes, you should have an idea of your end goals. But to get there, you need to be present every step of the way. I want to be that individual who learns from her experiences and shares wisdom with others. Sharing my lessons, my ups and downs, I hope to help other women find their own light within so that they can make the world a better place.
If you’re interested in my physical therapy services, feel free to contact me at smcoughlan99@gmail.com or message me on Instagram: stephanie_coughlan.
Photographer: @jennabeckphotographer
Stephanie Coughlan, LEADERS OF TOMORROW IN CALGARY WITH HER WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT
Pushing Herself To Her Limits Is Something Stephanie Has Always Done
AN INSPIRING WOMAN IN CALGARY
Stephanie is a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to empowering others. She is a former national athlete and a sports therapist who has worked with some of the world's best athletes, including those competing in the Olympics and Paralympics. Her passion for fitness has also led her to become a fitness model, and she uses her social media platforms to inspire others to live their best lives.
Stephanie is a leader in the Calgary community, known for her work as a sports therapist and her dedication to empowering women and girls. As a former national athlete herself, Stephanie is passionate about helping other athletes achieve their full potential. She works primarily with Olympic, Paralympic, and other top-tier athletes, helping them to overcome physical and mental barriers to success.
In addition to her work as a sports therapist, Stephanie is also a fitness model with a passion for health and
wellness. She has been in the industry for four years and has no plans to slow down. Stephanie uses her
platform as a fitness model to inspire others, sharing messages of positivity and empowerment to her followers on social media. With her work as a sports therapist and fitness model, Stephanie is a role model for women everywhere, showing that it is possible to be both strong and successful in all areas of life. Stephanie's journey to becoming a women's empowerment leader began with her own struggles and challenges. She faced self-esteem issues and abuse, which motivated her to work on herself and become a better version of herself. As she grew stronger and more confident, Stephanie realized that she could use her experiences to help others. She is determined to be a voice for women and girls who have faced similar challenges, showing them that there is hope and a way forward. Stephanie believes that by lifting each other up,women can create positive change in the world and inspire future generations to be their best selves.
One of the key components of Stephanie's empowerment mission is children. She knows that children's
perception of women has a profound impact on our society, and it is crucial that young people are raised with a positive image of women. By showing that women are strong and deserving of respect, Stephanie hopes to create a world where women are valued and respected for their contributions to society.
Stephanie's journey to empowerment is not without its challenges. She was diagnosed with a condition that her doctor said would prevent her from achieving her full potential in sports. Despite this diagnosis,
Stephanie refused to give up on her dreams. She pushed herself to go beyond her limits, determined to prove her doctor wrong. Although she was unable to compete in the Paralympics, Stephanie found success in other areas of her life, including fitness modeling and sports therapy. Her determination and resilience are an inspiration to women everywhere, showing that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Stephanie's work as a women's empowerment leader has had a significant impact on the Calgary community and beyond.
She is a role model for women and girls everywhere, showing that it is possible to be strong, successful, and empowered in all areas of life. Through her work as a sports therapist, fitness model, and social media influencer, Stephanie is creating positive change in the world and inspiring future generations to be their best selves.
FOLLOW @stephanie_coughlan | stephaniecoughlan.com
Pictures: the two white tops and black pants are photographer: @ajkphotography.
The two boxing ones are the photographer: @jennabeckphotographer.