Meet the Coaches

Shawn Wierick began his career in endurance sports as a competitive runner and soccer player in high school. He played varsity soccer in college and competed in many endurance events throughout his college career accumulating a vast amount of hard-earned experience. Shawn is now a certified USA Triathlon Level I coach with over 15 years of experience in endurance sports and is certified in metabolic testing. In 2007 he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from John Brown University. He then received his Masters of Science in Leadership and Ethics and his MBA from John Brown University in 2009 and 2011. Shawn is now pursuing his PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Arkansas and working toward his certification as a USA Triathlon Level 2 coach.

Chip Beard has almost 20 years experience in endurance sports, beginning his career as a competitive mountain bike racer which later transitioned into road racing. By the year 2000, Chip was competing as a triathlete and quickly became a top competitor in open water swim competitions. This year Chip will have completed his fifth full Ironman distance race, which has given him a wealth of knowledge to impart to his athletes. Chip is now a certified USA Triathlon Level 1 coach, specializing as a swim instructor, and is certified in metabolic testing. Chip has many years of business knowledge and is the Vice President of Sales for an equipment manufacturing company that generates multi-million dollars a year in sales. Chip leads an inside sales team of five and over 30 outside sales representatives and is a presenter and speaker to top-level business executives for promotion and sales. Chip is now pursuing his certification as a USA Triathlon Level 2 coach.

Jessica Martin has been competing in different events for 16 years. Growing up as a soccer player introduced her to the love of competition. She played soccer for the University of the Ozarks for three seasons and earned All-Academic Team two times. She most recently began competing in Mountain Bike races and triathlon. Along with competing Jessica has also been involved with the coaching side. She was a coach for the Brazilian Soccer Camp for two summers and she coached a soccer team of first and second graders for one season. She is also the President of the Aqua birds, the swim club that she helped create at University of the Ozarks. Graduating with a B.S. in Biology with special emphasis in Exercise Science and Nutrition. Her emphasis of study during her thesis was VO2 max and metabolic testing in different sports. After graduating with Biology Honors from the Tri-Beta Society, Jessica is now pursuing a Masters of Exercise Science from the University of Arkansas. Jessica began her journey with T3 as an intern and is now a USAT certified coach.

Amy Beard brings a broad range of experience to T3. She has worked in the legal, medical and financial services market for more than six years. While not a triathlete herself, she does recognize the dedication, hard work and perseverance the journey requires. Married to an Ironman competitor and mother of two competitive young athletes, Amy has a big impact on our athletes as they learn to manage their competitive goals with their family and work lives. She also brings her skills in critical thinking, problem solving and creativity to T3.