Our Coaches
Max Multisport Coaches
Click on a name below to learn more about our qualified and professional coaches.
Team Mascot- Toby Schneidewind
Coach Certification Affiliations:
Renee Schneidewind, President and Owner of Max Multisport Coaching
Certifications: USA Triathlon Coach-Level 2, AFAA Personal Trainer, Master Heart Zones Personal Trainer and Cycling Coach, USA Cycling Level 3 Coach, Certified Metabolic Specialist
E-mail: renee at maxmultisport.com
Bio: President of Max Multisport Coaching, Renee Schneidewind has been competing in triathlons and coaching endurance athletes for over nine years. Since 2000, she has raced in numerous endurance events, including Chicago Marathon and Ironman Wisconsin. She has coached hundreds of athletes from first-timers to advanced athletes in Sprint to Ironman distance events. Renee is the former Head Coach for the Chicago Danskin Triathlon and successfully coached 70 women to the finish line!
Complementing her racing experience, Renee continually educates herself on the newest and best methods pertaining to exercise science and multisport for women. Her philosophy is that having a healthy balance with family, work and other commitments is critical and a main goal should be to have fun and enjoy the fellowship of the other triathletes with whom you train and workout.
Renee loves to coach athletes who have a passion for fitness. She enjoys educating them on best methods of training, healthy living and staying injury-free. Her coaching mission is to help women of all abilities build confidence and maximize their athletic potential. She is motivated to work closely and build strong communication and relationships with each athlete to guide them on their athletic journey.
Originally from Michigan, Renee has now been in Chicago for over 12 years and calls it home. She had a background in volleyball and also short running events while in college. Outside of triathlon, she and her husband Russ spend time with their two cats Blackie and Callie and their boxer Toby! They are also regular worshipers at Park Community Church. God is a central part of the Schneidewind's life and they try to live that out and give back to others. Both are active tutors through Chicago Lights, a program for children in underserved neighborhoods of Chicago.
Russ Schneidewind
Certifications: USA Triathlon Coach-Level 1, Heart Zones Certified Personal Trainer-Level 3 and Master Heart Zones Certified Triathlon Coach, Certified Metabolic Specialist
Bio: Russ runs Max Multisport's swim programs and has been coaching with Max Multisport for four years. He was a Division 1 Swimmer at Iowa State University. In order to lead athletes to better swim times and more efficient swimming technique, he believes in incorporating multiple strokes in an athlete's training program.
Russ has over 13 years of triathlon experience including 1/2 Ironman, Olympic and Sprint distance triathlons. He is consistently in the top 10 to 15% of his age group in triathlon and running events.
Russ believes effective coaching needs to follow standard progressed training cycles and load.
Nancy Fudacz
Certifications: USA Triathlon Coach-Level 1, USA Track and Field Coach, USA Cycling Level 2, Certified Personal Trainer, Heart Zones Certified Personal Trainer Level 2, Master Keiser Cycling Trainer
Bio: Dedicated to a lifetime of fitness, Nancy has worked as the Director of Exercise Programs at Chicago's prestigious East Bank Club for 13 years. Nancy oversees the country's largest group exercise program, teaches group exercise classes of every type for every level, and has been featured in local and national media including ABC's "Good Morning America."
A certified trainer, Nancy oversees the club's Performance Program and has trained athletes of all abilities for triathlons and runs of all distances. Nancy has completed 10 Ironman triathlons and countless marathons and ultra-runs. She is passionate about pushing her own limits, and believes that we can accomplish any physical task we set out to do.
After achieving a performance goal for Ironman in 2003, Nancy shifted her focus to learning to run ultra-distance races. She created a team to complete in 4 Deserts, a series of seven-day, 150-mile races across the world's great deserts: in The Atacama in Chile, the Gobi in China, the Sahara in Egypt, and Antarctica. In February 2006, Nancy and her team, Team Illinois/Magellan Development, became the first and only team in the world to conquer the race series. The book "The Power of Team: Three Ordinary People and Their Run to Greatness" is based on their experiences.
Nancy continues to compete in triathlons, ultra-running and adventure racing, and relies on her experiences and knowledge to coach athletes.
Nancy received her B.A. from McGill University and M.F.A. from Columbia College, Chicago.
Laurie Cappitelli
Certifications: Heart Zones Level 3 Personal Trainer, Heart Zones Certified Triathlon Coach, Lifeguard, Ace New Leaf Metabolic Testing Certification
Bio: Laurie discovered triathlon in 2001 to focus on fitness and a healthier lifestyle. Since that time, she has continued to race a variety of sprint, olympic, and aquabike distance courses annually. Laurie is a top finisher in her swim division in every race yet had no background in competitive swimming. This has helped her to finish in the top 15% of her races in 2007. Laurie also enjoys adventure racing and competes in multiple events annually.
In 2008 at the Elkhart Olympic Triathlon, she placed 1st in her division, which qualified her for the 2009 U.S.A Triathlon Nationals.
In 2008, she was the Head Coach for Heart Zone Coaching's Team Chicago where she coached over 20 women to complete their first triathlon, The Danskin Women's Triathlon Series. In 2009, she continued as Head Coach for the Trek Women's Triathlon Series and led 25 women to finish line in their first event!
Laurie believes in coaching athletes to remain injury free through proper training/coaching, which will lead to improved technique, speed, strength and flexibility in all disciplines. Her main coaching focus is swimming, as she coaches our Women's First Swim and Triathlon Technique Classes.
Laurie lives in Wheaton with her husband, soul mate and best friend, Bob.
Mary Ann Trusso
Certifications: Heart Zones Certified Personal Trainer Level 1, USA Triathlon Coach-Level 1, USA Cycling Coach Level 3
Bio: Mary Ann began her coaching career in 1995 when she became a USA Rowing coach in Rochester, NY. A competitive rower at the time, Mary Ann found a love for coaching and sharing her sport with others in the area. After moving to Illinois in 2002 with her husband and five children, Mary Ann became involved in the Chicagoland running scene, worked as a Crisis Counselor for non profit mental health agency and participated in her first triathlon in 2005. After just one race she was hooked, realizing that the sport of triathlon was unique in its own right. "Triathlons are great for the body and good for the soul, as every athlete is challenged in their own individual way." says Mary Ann.
Mary Ann immersed herself into learning and getting educated about the sport of triathlon. She believes that there are many lessons and opportunities to learn about yourself through training and racing. As a busy Mom and an active athlete herself, Mary Ann coaches from a perspective of placing high value in maintaining balance in life, healthy and smart training, and "having a whole lot of fun along the way."
Mary Ann has raced locally in both triathlons and marathons and completed Ironman Kentucky in the summer of 2009! She coaches Max Multisport's swim and cycling and group training programs in the St. Charles, Illinois area.
Mary Ann received her BS in Psychology from Fordham University. NYC. She is excited and invested in continuing to pursue additional education and certifications and to always remain at the forefront of the sport of triathlon.
Elizabeth (Liz) Waterstraat
Certifications: USA Triathlon Coach-Level 1, USA Cycling Level 3, Heart Zones Certified Personal Trainer-Level 1
Bio: Elizabeth Fedofsky Waterstraat has been involved in triathlon for the past 10 years. She has earned five national long course championship titles, a world championship silver medal and twice qualified for Ironman Hawaii. From her experiences, Elizabeth understands the hard work, commitment and motivation required to achieve athletic goals. She specializes in coaching Ironman distance athletes.
Elizabeth's takes integrative approach to coaching and fitness by helping athletes balance the demands of life with their personal athletic goals. She understands how to bring out the best athlete in women of all abilities. Whether it's finishing an event or qualifying for Kona, Elizabeth has the experience and knowledge to help athletes pursue their goals.
Elizabeth holds a B.A. from Miami University and a Masters in Public Health from Benedictine University. She lives in Lisle with her husband, Christian, also a triathlete.
Joann Della Torre
Certifications: USA Triathlon Coach Level 1, Heart Zones Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor Level 2, Heart Zones Certified Personal Trainer Level 2, Master Total Immersion Swim Coach, Ace Certified Personal Trainer, Indoor Group Cycling instructor at Edward Health & Fitness Center, Yoga Instructor
Bio: Jo Ann has been competing in endurance sports for over 12 years. She finished her first triathlon when she was 20 weeks pregnant with her fifth child. Since then, she has been a competitive age grouper, finishing 30+ races in everything from Sprint to Ironman to ultra-distance events.
Her passion to become a better swimmer led her to Total Immersion, where she has coached many runners and cyclists in swimming. She currently coaches for the Naperville Masters Swim Team.
Jo Ann loves coaching all levels of athlete. Everyone has their own goal, and all want to finish. "I love encouraging and facilitating those steps. Coaching helps us to balance our lives and reach for something really big."
Laura Crisman
Certifications: USA Triathlon Level-1 Coach, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Spin Level III Instructor, ACE Group Exercise Instructor
Bio: Laura's addictive enthusiasm gives her an advantage at being an inspiring coach and mentor. Laura has taught Group Exercise classes for over fourteen years and uses this knowledge in her training as a coach. Laura has also competed in over twenty Sprint and Olympic distance triathlons in the last ten years. Laura won her division/age group in the Chicago Accenture Olympic Triathlon in 2008.
Bob Foster
Bio: Bob was an All American swimmer at St. Charles High School in St. Charles, Illinois, and swam for four years at Division 1 at Iowa State University. He helped start the NCA swim team on the northside of Chicago and is now a coach with Max Multisport for the Master Swim and Group Swim programs.
Alyson Fiorillo
Bio: Alyson is an accomplished swimmer who had the opportunity to compete at the Divison I level at Marist College in New York. In her college years, Alyson earned the title of conference champion in the 100 yard butterfly and is listed as one of the top 5 swimmers of all time in this event at Marist (:58.89). In addition, Alyson also played on the water polo team at Marist where she used her swimming speed to become a key offensive player. She graduated as the water polo program's all-time leading scorer, with 152 career goals and was named to the All-MAAC (Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference) First Team in her senior year, after becoming the first water polo player in Marist history to earn a MAAC postseason award the previous year. In her senior year, she was named Marist's female Sportsperson of the Year for her accomplishments.
Alyson entered the triathlon scene in 2006 and signed up for the Danskin sprint triathlon under the coaching expertise of Max Multisport and Renee Schneidwind. After Danskin she was hooked and in 2008, with the help of one-on-one coaching from Russ Schneidwind, she became eligible to compete in the elite age group division in the Accenture Triathlon where she placed in the top 5% of women.
During her three years as a triathlete, Alyson has won an age group title (Wauconda Sprint Triathlon 2007) and took third place in her age group in the Subaru Naperville Sprint Triathlon (2008).
Alyson is excited to be a member of the Max Multisport coaching staff and hopes to spread her passion for swimming to the athletes. She wants to utilize her 19 years of knowledge as a competitive swimmer to help Max swimmers to become fast and effortless in the water!
Kimberly Goodell
Certifications: Heart Zones Certified Personal Training Level 1
Bio: A California native, Kimberly has been living in Chicago for 7 years. In 2004 she bought a swimsuit and an old $25 hybrid bike in preparation for the her first triathlon, The Danskin Women's Sprint (now this event is the Trek Women's Triathlon).
In the years that followed, she has enjoyed the process of helping new triathletes prepare for this same race with Max Multisport. Kimberly is now the Assistant Coach with Heart Zones Coaching, the official training program for the Trek Triathlon Series.
In 2008, Kimberly placed in the top 5 overall in Sprint, Olympic and Half Ironman distance races. She competed in the Short Course National Championships in Oregon, placing 11th to earn a spot on Team USA. She is currently training for the 2009 Age Group World Championships in Gold Coast, Australia.
Jessica Upchurch
Certifications: B.S in Kinesiology from Elmhurst College, K-12 State of Illinois Teaching Certification, Cooper Institute Certified Personal Trainer (CI-CPT), Cooper Institute Certified Fitness Specialist (CI-CFS), Heart Zones® Certified Personal Trainer-Level 1, Polar Certified Heart Rate Coach, Water Safety Instructor- WSI, Certified Lifeguard/ First Aid/ CPR
Bio: For Jessica, health and fitness is not just a hobby or an activity but, a lifestyle. As a physical/health educator at Northside College Preparatory High School in Chicago, she has been able to combine her vocation and avocation. Jessica leads by example for both her students and her athletes. Triathlons and running events have been a part of her life for many years. She has experience in the Sprint and Olympic distances. An avid runner, Jessica has completed multiple half marathons.
She enjoys working with beginners in the sport and is committed to being a lifelong learner. Jessica believes in hard work and that discipline is the bridge between thought and accomplishment. Anything is possible when you have a good attitude and a lot of heart.
Jessica teaches athletes under our group running and triathlon training programs. She is also a coached athlete and a member on our Masters Swim Team.
Marie Lehner
Bio: Marie was a collegiate swimmer in college at Columbia University in New York. She coaches Max Multisport's Master Swim and Group Swim programs. She also assists with open water swimming in the Chicago Triathlon and Naperville Triathlon group programs.
Nick Early
Certifications: American Swimming Coaches Association Level 1 Coach (ASCA)
Bio: Nick grew up in Red Wing MN, and was a member of the Red Wing Senior High School Cross Country, Swimming, and Track Teams. He was a State Participant in Cross Country and was an 8 time All-State swimmer and 4 time All-American. He swam two years at Gustavus Adolphus College where he was 8 time MIAC Champion and a 7 time All-American. He finished his Degree in theater at Minnesota State University- Mankato. While at MSU he was a founding member and Vice President of the MSU Cycling Team.
His coaching back ground includes coaching at the All-American Swim camp in Morris Minnesota under Ohio State Men's head coach Bill Wadley and at the Texas Longhorn Swim camp at UT-Austin under Olympic coach Eddie Resse. He was also the assistant coach for the Mankato Mantas swim club before serving as Head Coach and has worked as the Assistant Coach for the Hastings Areas Swim Team. He currently works for US Training program where he is a subject matters expert in swimming. Nick trains for triathlons and completes in the Armature Elite division. He is a USAT All-American and was a member of Team USA at the Age-Group World championships in Gold Coast Australia in Sept of 2009.
Kate Bongiovanni
Certifications: USA Triathlon Coach Level 1
Bio: Kate hails from Michigan, but came to Chicago to attend Northwestern University and loved the city after graduation. She started competitive swimming when she was 11 and thinks it was in those early-morning and late-evening swim practices where she caught the endurance bug. Still swimming now, although preferring open water rather than the pool, it’s more the marathons and triathlons that she’s training for. She ran her first Chicago Marathon in 2000, partially on a dare from a friend, but kept running, and just completed her 10th Chicago and 15th marathon overall. She has qualified for the Boston Marathon twice and plans to run it again in 2010. When the summer long runs got too monotonous, she tried a triathlon and has now raced every distance from sprint to Ironman.
Once the editor at Windy City Sports magazine in Chicago, Kate is now a freelance writer and editor primarily focused on sports and fitness, which also gives her more flexibility to give back to the sport and coach. She hopes to use what she’s learned from personal experience and reporting from the experts to help other athletes accomplish their goals and enjoy the active lifestyle.
Dana Filarski
Certifications: Certified Heart Zones Triathlon Coach
Bio: Dana grew up in Willowbrook, IL and began swimming at the age of 10. She swam and ran competitively at Hinsdale Central High School where she qualified for the state meet in the 3200m run. Upon graduating from the University of Iowa, Dana picked up long distance running and triathlons. Since graduation in 2004, she’s a two-time Boston qualifier and completed Ironman Louisville 2008, 7 marathons and countless other races ranging from Sprint Triathlons to Half-Ironmans and Half-Marathons.
Dana enjoys helping other athletes and has gotten friends and family involved in triathlons and running events. Her primary background is swimming and running and is excited to use her knowledge and experience to help other athletes reach their goals. Dana is currently training for Ironman Wisconsin in September 2010.
Katie Clifford
Certifications: Heart Zones Certified Personal Trainer, Heart Zones Certified Triathlon Coach
Bio: Katie became interested in triathlon five years ago after cheering her mom to the finish line in the Naperville Triathlon and has been hooked ever since. Katie competes at the Sprint, Olympic and Half Ironman distance triathlons. She has inspired many women by coaching for the Danskin and Trek Triathlon Series the past several years.
Katie also has a passion for adventure racing and is training to competing in a 24 hour race this year. She enjoys sharing her love of fitness and racing with others and seeing them reach their goals and transform their lives.
Katie lives in Glenview with her three active, wonderful children.
Toby Schneidewind
Bio: Toby is the Max Multisport Team Mascot. He enjoys running and chasing the athletes of Max Multisport Coaching. If you want to go for a run, Toby is always available!
