Hi Lisa! Where are you from and how long have you lived in town?
I am originally from Dumont NJ but moved to Upper Saddle River in 2020 with my wife and two children.
How old are your kids?
We have a 3-year-old and six-month-old.
What’s your favorite thing to do with your kids?
Family time is extremely important and is a main reason as to why I always wanted to own a business. Favorite things include “basement parties” which is all four of us purely playing together, backyard play, going for walks, and teaching our daughter, Carmella, tricks to do on her scooter and bike.
Speaking of wanting to own a business – tell us, are you involved in a business venture?
I opened Challenge U. Softball® in 2011 with the goal of being the largest softball-only training facility in the US with all coaches former high level softball players. We accomplished just that! Also, in 2017, I developed of hitting coach certification program called CUDIT® Concentric Hitting which teaches instructors how to give high level lessons while training the mental game through a system I developed called the, VBS System®; Visualization, Body-Language, Self-Talk. Today, we have Certified CUDIT® Coaches in over 21 states and throughout Canada. Lastly, I am launching an affirmation-based product in September 2023 called the Limitless Slides.
That sounds amazing! Why is this so important?
I grew up with a single mom and two siblings… extremely humble beginnings. Softball was my outlet and I never wanted to give up the game. At 21, I decided to set a clear vision combined with a burning desire to achieve just that. I used tools that we teach here today… visualization, law of attraction, positive self-talk, and emotional eagerness to create C.U. and bring it to where it is today. Our mission has been to teach the next generation of powerhouse-woman that they can do the same. They can conquer any of their goals on and off the field.
That IS so important! What sets you apart?
Everything. Before opening my first facility, I gave lessons outdoors and rented tunnels from facilities across the tri-state in the winter. I did this for four years before opening a location. In doing this, I was able to see what I would never want to do and what I would do in my own business of softball instruction. One of the things that was constantly missing is training the mental game. If 90% of the game is mental, I decided to be the facility to train that 90%.
If you could give one tip to fellow moms, what would it be?
Choose self without feeling selfish. I am a huge advocate for finding ways to feel my best. Small actions for great emotions. In doing this, I am able to bring my best self as a mom, wife, coach, friend, everything. I set time for myself to run in the morning, journal my gratitude, and live in joyful peace for no one else but me. Then, I can bring my best self as everything else.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a big softie. My wife, I guess, looks more soft than me but I am the first to cry at movies, get super deep, and watch the Bachelor. Oh, and cuddle.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Honestly, I have experienced both. I have faced negative comments by other facilities/coaches being a woman business owner in the sports industry (even though softball is a female sport… lol). Yet, I guess that means we are doing something right 😉
But more importantly, we have had extremely amazing support, love, and appreciation for what we do at Challenge U. Softball from all of our clients. The biggest thing that people notice that we genuinely care.
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