Her Story
About Tara
Tara Smith is a strength and conditioning coach specializing in work with competitive dancers. With 10 years in the health, wellness, and fitness space and three years focused on this niche, she founded Triple Threat Coaching to bridge gaps in resources for dancers, including strength and conditioning, nutrition, and mental performance coaching. Tara earned her undergraduate degree in sports and exercise psychology from West Virginia University, where she interned with the head nutritionist for WVU football and worked with strength and conditioning coaches across collegiate levels. She obtained her master's degree in health and human performance from Salisbury University while serving as a graduate assistant teaching college courses. Tara also holds her CSCS certification, the gold standard for strength and conditioning coaches. Having grown up as a competitive ballet and dancer who experienced burnout, she now attributes her success to helping younger athletes avoid similar resentment and instead view dance as a passion with proper support. Tara values continuous learning in exercise science, strong work ethic, and building relationships, and she is currently in the startup phase of scaling her business through outreach to studios and events after recently moving from Maryland to Florida.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tara
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute it to younger me. I was a competitive dancer who got burnt out and resented dance, but now it's a full-circle moment helping younger athletes avoid that and view dance as a passion with proper resources.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Sometimes embarrassment is the best learning tool, and you shouldn't be afraid to mess up. Closed mouth, don't get fed - the worst that happens is they say no, so ask and put yourself out there. Be confident in owning my stuff and passionate about the business.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Being in a waiting season doesn't mean that you're failing. When starting up a business, there will be times of drought or waiting. Know that waiting is not God's punishment but his refinement period. Trust in God's timing.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges: Getting the first studio to sign on and buy into the program despite seeing the potential. Opportunities: Continuing outreach to studios, competitions, and local events; capitalizing on current athletes for testimonies and word of mouth.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Always continuing to learn and staying current in the exercise science field. Working hard with good work ethic. Building relationships with people.
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