Hi, my name is Robyn Wendel and I am from Midland, TX. Most people haven't heard of it unless they are familiar with the oil and gas industry or they're a big fan of George W. Bush. I grew up in a sports-loving family, playing competitive volleyball and watching my older brother's football or baseball games. On an off weekend or summer break, my family would beat the West Texas heat and drive a couple hours to the nearest body of water to play on the lake. I learned to slalom ski and wakeboard at the age of 5 –– mostly because my brother said that I couldn't!

I love a good competition. I graduated high school and went to Texas A&M University where I served in Young Life, shot on the archery team and earned a degree in Early Childhood Education. I moved back to Midland after graduation and met the cutest boy from Knoxville, TN who worked for the local paper. We got married, and we moved to San Antonio six months later. I taught 5th grade and coached volleyball until I had our son.

Going from being surrounded by my students and players all day to a quiet house with a newborn terrified me. But one day, my husband Nick and I were walking at an outdoor mall, trying to put my very pregnant self into labor, and we saw a group of moms pushing strollers, wearing babies and SWEATING! I knew in that moment that those were going to be my people.

After Knox was born, I attended my first Stroller Strides class and was immediately hooked. I had found my mama tribe. Fifteen months later, our daughter Davy was born, and we wanted to move closer to family. Any time we would go visit my husband's family in Knoxville I always felt right at home. We were excited to move, but I was devastated to find out there wasn't a FIT4MOM or anything like it in the area. Without much hesitation, I knew that I wanted to help create the same life-changing community that I experienced as a new mom in San Antonio for the mamas and babies of Knoxville.

I am proud to bring the FIT4MOM Franchise to Knoxville because I wholeheartedly believe in the mission that healthy moms make healthy communities.