We recently connected with Maggie Andreis and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Maggie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

After completing my graduate studies at The Ohio State University in 2022 and wrapping up my college soccer career, I was ready for a change—a new city, a new job, a new way of life. Most of my family and friends were still in Ohio or Michigan, and though my husband was with me in Ohio, he wasn’t in a position to relocate yet. But after six years in the same place, I was itching to go. Ohio State had been a great environment for college and grad school, but it had also been a place of personal struggle. I was ready to spread my wings and figure out who I was outside of soccer, school, and the stress that came with it.

I started applying for jobs in North Carolina, a state I had always loved visiting. One opportunity stood out—a position at an all-women’s strength and conditioning facility in Wilmington, a small beach town I highly recommend if you’ve never been. It’s as charming as it is calming, with the kind of coastal energy that feels like a fresh start.

I still remember the moment I called the facility. I had intended to ask a question about the offer—but before I knew it, the words, “I’d like to accept the job,” came out of my mouth. It was a gut decision, one of those moments where you just know it’s the right move. When I told my mom, she cried—nervous that I’d be living 13 hours from home. I cried too. I was scared it wouldn’t work out, or that I’d get there and immediately want to come back.

But looking back, I’m so glad I took the risk. Moving gave me the space I needed to rediscover who I am and why I love to coach. It helped me grow personally and professionally, gave me a new perspective, and deepened my appreciation for the people and experiences in my life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a certified strength and conditioning coach. Growing up, I loved sports and tried everything until I fell in love with soccer. I was competitive, hardworking, and fortunate to have talent. Soccer opened doors for me, including attending The Ohio State University, where I earned a Business Administration degree in 2021.

My senior season, I suffered my second ACL tear, a challenging experience that shaped my passion for sports performance training. I learned to address weaknesses, prevent injuries, and improve strength and speed. My college strength coach inspired me with her energy and leadership, making the weight room my safe space—a place where I could work hard, have fun, and excel.

I graduated with a Master’s in Kinesiology in December 2022. My passion for training comes from knowing how it helps people feel confident, strong, pain-free, and resilient.

I work with clients of all ages and physical abilities. I started Forza Fitness just about 6 months ago when I realized I had a following and a need for my coaching. I have moved around quite a bit in the last couple of years, but every facility I have worked at, I have made connections with athletes and clients that leave them wanting more coaching from me!

I offer fully remote coaching, hybrid, and in-person training. My goal is to help you reach your goals, whatever they may be.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I deeply value connection. Throughout my time working with various businesses and continuing my journey as a coach, I’ve made it a priority to truly get to know each individual—not just their goals in the gym, but who they are outside of it. I love learning about their interests, what drives them, and how I can better challenge and support them.

I regularly attend my athletes’ games because my role goes beyond the weight room—I’m helping them perform at a higher level in their sport. Being present at these events also allows me to build relationships with teammates, parents, and coaches, strengthening the community around each athlete.

To my surprise, I’ve also built a strong following on social media! Through reels and videos, I’ve been able to share my knowledge of soccer and strength & conditioning in a fun, authentic way. Instagram has become a powerful tool for reaching new clients and expanding my impact.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2021, I was a senior at Ohio State, preparing for my final soccer season. In our first game—against our biggest rival, Michigan—I went down with a torn ACL. I was devastated. This was the year I had finally earned a starting spot and stepped into a leadership role, ready to truly make an impact.

Soon after, I was faced with a difficult decision: medically retire and end my college soccer career, or take a redshirt year and hope my body would heal in time to compete again. After a lot of thought, I made the tough choice to move on and start focusing on my future career.

As the season continued, I supported my teammates from the sidelines, which was emotionally challenging. But instead of sitting still, I took action—I reached out to my strength and conditioning coach at OSU and asked if there was an internship opportunity available for me after the season. That step gave me something positive to work toward and helped me stay focused.

Stepping back into the weight room in a new role felt surreal. I had gone from athlete to coach almost overnight. But I quickly realized how much my experience as a player gave me an advantage—I knew what the athletes were going through, both physically and mentally. That empathy and insight became my strength.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Forzafitness.pro
• Instagram: coach.magsam
• Linkedin: Maggie Andreis