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Lisa Nico is originally from Portland, Oregon and currently residing in Pheonix, Arizona. Lisa spent years competing in athletics while also training therapy animals and developing a deep understanding of resilience, personal growth, and overcoming adversity. She is a former athlete whose background includes Varsity Tennis, Varsity Volleyball, and award-winning Class-A Equestrian competition.
Her athletic journey took an unexpected turn when she was offered a partial athletic scholarship for tennis but was forced to make a difficult decision after being diagnosed with a debilitating hip condition that required surgery. Rather than pursuing her athletic scholarship, Lisa accepted a full academic scholarship at another university and underwent the treatment she needed. Looking back, she recognizes that while she may never know if she made the "right" choice, the experience taught her resilience, adaptability, and the importance of trusting herself through uncertainty.
One of the most important lessons Lisa learned during her journey was that strength doesn't come from doing everything alone. She learned the value of honesty, vulnerability, and asking others for help when support is needed. Those lessons continue to shape both her life and coaching philosophy today.
A defining moment came during her Varsity Tennis career when she and her doubles partner were eliminated in the district semifinals after winning the JV District Championship the year before. While Lisa initially felt disappointment and frustration, her partner taught her a lesson she still carries today: support others, learn from setbacks, and recognize that growth often comes through adversity.
This experience shaped her core belief:
Athletes struggle most when they second-guess themselves and don't seek help.
Athletes struggle most when they second-guess themselves and don't seek help.
Athletes grow the most when they seek support from coaches and teammates and commit to a plan.
Athletes grow the most when they seek support from coaches and teammates and commit to a plan.
Lisa's goal is to help athletes achieve their highest potential both in and out of sport while learning to enjoy the journey with confidence and pride.
Lisa's goal is to help athletes achieve their highest potential both in and out of sport while learning to enjoy the journey with confidence and pride.
Today, Lisa helps current and former athletes build confidence, strengthen their support systems, navigate life's challenges, and create sustainable success both during and after their athletic careers.
WHAT LISA HELPS ATHLETES WITH
WHAT LISA HELPS ATHLETES WITH
Confidence and self-belief
Identity beyond sport
Transitioning out of athletics
Managing pressure and expectations
Building structure and accountability
Balancing life and sport
Direction after athletics
Life planning
Lisa believes athletes often place enormous pressure on themselves to excel not only in sport, but also in academics, work, relationships, and life. She understands how overwhelming those expectations can become and believes that having a strong support system is essential for long-term success and well-being.
COACHING STYLE
COACHING STYLE
Lisa's coaching style is compassionate, encouraging, and solutions-focused.
Her goal is to ensure every athlete feels heard, understood, and empowered. Rather than simply offering advice, Lisa works alongside athletes to identify obstacles, understand root causes, and create practical strategies for overcoming challenges.
Athletes working with Lisa can expect:
Genuine listening and support
Honest conversations
Practical problem-solving
Goal-focused accountability
Encouragement through difficult seasons
Strategies for overcoming self-doubt
A safe environment to ask for help
Lisa wants athletes to feel stronger, more confident, and equipped with actionable steps they can take toward their goals.
WHAT MAKES LISA DIFFERENT
WHAT MAKES LISA DIFFERENT
Lisa's coaching philosophy is built on lived experience, resilience, and service to others.
She understands:
What it feels like to have athletic goals disrupted by injury
The emotional challenges of uncertainty and major life decisions
How difficult it can be to ask for help
The importance of strong support systems
The value of teamwork, friendship, and community
How self-doubt can limit potential
Why athletes often struggle under overwhelming expectations
Lisa also brings unique experience outside of athletics through her work training therapy animals for more than 15 years, helping others heal, connect, and overcome challenges.
A NOTE FROM LISA
A NOTE FROM LISA
"You don't have to do everything alone.
Some of the strongest athletes I know aren't the ones who never struggle — they're the ones who are willing to ask for help, lean on others, and keep moving forward anyway.
My goal is to help you see your strengths, overcome obstacles, and realize that you're capable of more than you think."
LISA'S PHILOSOPHY
LISA'S PHILOSOPHY
"Success isn't about being perfect.
It's about being honest with yourself, trusting the process, asking for support when you need it, and continuing to grow through every challenge.
Athletes become their strongest selves when they stop facing everything alone and start building the support systems that help them thrive."
Outside of coaching, Lisa enjoys cooking, punk rock music, spending time with her cats, community involvement and helping others through service and mentorship
Fun Fact: Lisa is a former television news journalist and is an active member of multiple motorcycle clubs.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE & INTERESTS
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE & INTERESTS
Licensed to train therapy animals
Licensed to officiate weddings
Creator of the upcoming feminist podcast "Sex-cess"
Creator of the cooking show "CatHouse Kitchen with Luscious Lisa"
Known by her motorcycle road name, "Luscious Lisa"
Inspiration behind a signature cocktail that is still served in multiple Portland establishments today
Publications
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