What did you do after Valley? Where did your life take you?

I played baseball at MCC, then went to San Diego Christian to continue playing, then decided to hang up my cleats and finish my bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at ASU. In 2010 I started personal training at 24hr fitness, then branched off on my own into a private studio gym to build my own clientele shortly after. I founded Journey Training in 2012, but continued to rent space from a private gym. In 2017, I bought out the gym I was formerly renting from, and have been building my business out of the same facility I originally started renting from in 2011.

Tell us a little about your daily work:

I work with clients every weekday from 5:30am-12pm, workout around lunchtime, do managerial/marketing work in the afternoon, then have a handful of sessions in late afternoon/early evening.

What’s one surprising thing we don’t know about you?

Despite my profession, I have an unhealthy obsession with cinnamon rolls and Oreos!

While you were at VCS, which teachers, coaches or classmates had the biggest impact on you?

There were so many great teachers and coaches, but a few had a profound impact on me. Scott Timmer and Troy Hanzal helped me tremendously with my strength and conditioning my last year, as well as rehab from various injuries throughout the years. All of my baseball coaches saw my potential, and my dad Jamie Allen (assistant coach) taught me the value of work ethic and pushed me hard to help me play college baseball.

How do you stay connected with your friends from Valley and VCS?

I’m still great friends with quite a few people from Valley. A lot of people I see at church regularly. I also train some people that went to Valley as well. Others I connect through social media and get together for dinner or various hangouts throughout the year.

What’s one lasting memory you have of VCS?

I remember the fun I had with all of my teammates, genuine people and the lifelong friendships I’ve built with a handful, and great teachers and coaches that poured into my life when I was a cocky teenager!

Do you have any advice for current students? 

I’m thankful for all the great Christian influence on my life. We all reach a point where we either choose to follow Christ, or go with the way of the world. I’m grateful for the many mentors that have helped shape my faith and love for Christ. My encouragement is to continue pursuing Christ. It’s very easy to follow the world and lose sight of what’s most important.