DC Soccer Sessions
Meet Your Licensed Coaches
Ariel Bright
Ariel BrightAriel Bright, founder of Ariel Bright Fitness, has been committed to a lifestyle of sport and fitness since the age of 5. Following her career as a Division 1 collegiate athlete, Ariel looked to continue her love of fitness through personal training.As a National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialists, she isexcited to channel her experience, knowledge, and
motivational energy into helping herclients achieve their goals, and enjoy living a healthy lifestyle. Ariel brings enthusiasm, positivity and expertise to each session with her clients; she encourages them to reach their full potential, and truly enjoy fitness.
Ariel is well versed in working with a wide range of clients from advanced athletes, to weekend warriors, to those looking to train for the first time. She enjoys meeting each client at whatever level of fitness they are at, and having some fun steering them towards their goals. Ariel is passionate about unleashing each client’s “inner beast,” in a safe, effective, and inspirational environment.
With free time Ariel enjoys an active lifestyle filled with CrossFit, soccer, triathlons and hiking. Before becoming a personal trainer Ariel received her Masters from the University of KwaZulu-Natal , and now concentrates her skills supporting clients to live a balanced life.
CERTIFICATIONS -
Personal Training
o National Academy of Sports Medicine certified, 2011-today
o Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR) certified, 2014
o Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certified, 2014
Coaching
o US Soccer National E License Coach, 2015
o Heads Up Concussion Certified, 2015
Elise Bender
Elise Bender, founder of Bender Fit Personal Training, is a lifelong DMV resident and a soccer and fitness fanatic. She has played soccer for 23 years, playing at the collegiate and semi-professional level in the USA and the UK. While playing soccer after college, she developed a passion for lifting and sports-performance training. While in the UK, she developed a passion for coaching while taking FA Level 1 and 2 courses.
Elise currently plays in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) for ACF Torino USA. In 2014 she was named a WPSL South-Atlantic All Star and highlighted as a Featured Trainer on Active Life DC. View this and other 2015 ACF Torino USA player interviews!
In her spare time, she religiously attends DC United games and wakes up way too early to catch EPL games.
Elise Bender
Elise Bender, founder of Bender Fit Personal Training, is a lifelong DMV resident and a soccer and fitness fanatic. She has played soccer for 23 years, playing at the collegiate and semi-professional level in the USA and the UK. While playing soccer after college, she developed a passion for lifting and sports-performance training. While in the UK, she developed a passion for coaching while taking FA Level 1 and 2 courses.
CERTIFICATIONS -
Personal Training
o National Academy of Sports Medicine certified, 2014-today
o Emergency Cardiac Care (CPR) certified, 2013
o Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certified, 2013
Coaching
o FA Level 1 License, 2013
o FA Level 2 License, in progress
o FA Respect Certified
o US Soccer National E License Coach, 2015
o US Soccer National D License Coach, 2016
o Heads Up Concussion Certified, 2015
o National Soccer Coaches Association of America Memeber, 2015
o Player-Coach for ACF Torino USA (WPSL), 2015