Hello!
I’m the Founder and CEO of Team Ariana, which I launched as an aspiring triathlete at age 11. Team Ariana was initially focused on helping the homeless children of Vogel Alcove in Dallas, TX. This quickly expanded to a national platform to help inspire other children and adults to live a healthy lifestyle, find a passion, pursue it, give back in a personally meaningful way. Dozens of charities have benefitted from Team Ariana and countless individuals have made their voice impact social change. I am driven to be my best self by consistently striving for improvement and helping others in the broadest platform I can. I believe we are all here to motivate and empower one another. Together, we can each make a difference with selfless resolve, humility and integrity.
Meaningful Memories
These are a few of my favorite moments in my triathlon career. This race was my first high profile Olympic Distance race. The 2012 Toyota U.S. Open Championships where I raced alongside professionals and Olympians. It was a blustery 42 degrees with a sustained 20MPH north wind. It was a very physical 1 mile open water swim, followed by a challenging 40K bike and a very hilly 10K run.
The U.S. Army Pro Football Hall of Fame Acceptance Speech
I was honored in 2016 to be recognized as a finalist for the U.S. Army Pro Football Hall of Fame Award for Excellence by Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach. Later that year, I visited Canton, Ohio with the other 19 national finalists and was chosen as the winner of the 2016 U.S. Army Pro Football Hall of Fame Award for Excellence.
The Dramatic Finish Seen Around the World
I didn’t give it a second thought. The end of the 2017 BMW Dallas Marathon became a moment that caught the attention of the world. The cameras happened to be rolling, but I believe anyone in my position would have done the exact same thing. I’m still in awe of Dr. Chandler Self’s determination and her drive to win the race.
UNC Chapel Hill
I am proudly attending The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill studying Nutritional Science, Entrepreneurship and Exercise / Sport Science. While my love for food and exercise has carried me through high school, I intend to pursue a Master’s degree and PhD.
My Code in Life
I consider myself a very strong-minded and a strong-willed person. I am disciplined, focused and extremely goal-oriented. When I have a objective in mind, I will stop at nothing to achieve it. Adapt, improvise, and overcome are three of the tenets I live by.
My Challenge to America
There are two words my family loathes: “fat” and “skinny.” From a young age, I have always been taught that everyone is different, and that different is OK. The ideal image for people is impossible to achieve, as being truly healthy means something different for everyone.
Read moreAccomplishments – Triathlon | Duathlon
2017
- Team USA ITU Standard and Long Distance Duathlon World Championship Qualifier
- Team USA ITU Sprint Duathlon World Championship Qualifier
2016
- #1 Ranking Midwest Regional Duathlon Champion
- Team USA ITU Standard Distance Duathlon World Championship Qualifier
- Team USA Duathlon National Championship Qualifier
- Team USA Long Course World Championship Qualifier
2015
- #1 Ranking Texas State Duathlon Championship
- #1 Ranking Midwest Regional Sprint Triathlon Championship
- #2 Ranking Long Course Duathlon National Championship
- #1 Ranking South Midwest Region Triathlon
- #1 Ranking National Duathlon
- Duathlon National All-American Honors
- Draft Legal National Championship Qualifier;
- Team USA Duathlon Long Course World Championship Qualifier
- 1st Place in 6 Triathlon / Duathlon Races – Sprint and Olympic Distances
- 2nd Place in 2 Triathlon Races – Sprint and Olympic Distance
2014
- #1 Ranking Texas State Duathlon Championship
- #1 Ranking Regional Duathlon Championship
- #1 Ranking Texas State Sprint Triathlon Championship
- #1 Ranking Midwest Regional Sprint Triathlon Championship
- #1 Overall Ranking Midwest Region Triathlon
- #1 Overall Ranking Midwest Region Duathlon
- 1st Place Rev3 Olympic Triathlon Championship
- 2x Dallas Elite Invitational Relay
- Rev 3 Olympic Triathlon National Championship .
- #1 Ranking Texas State Duathlon Championship
- 1st Place Toyota U.S. Open Olympic Championship
- 1st Place in 10 triathlons and duathlons – Sprint and Olympic Distances
2013
- 1st Place Ranking Toyota U.S. Open Olympic Triathlon Championship
- 1st Place in 9 Triathlon / Duathlon Races – Sprint and Olympic Distances
- 2nd Place in 4 Triathlon Races – Sprint and Olympic Distances
2012
- #1 Ranking Texas State Sprint Triathlon Championship
- #1 Ranking South Midwest Regional Sprint Triathlon Championship
- #1 Ranking Texas State Duathlon Championship
- #1 Ranking South Midwest Region Duathlon
Accomplishments – Professional
- SKRATCH ADVISORY LEADERSHIP BOARD CHAIR: 2017
- ELISA PROJECT LEADERSHIP AWARD: 2017
- MONTAGE MEMORY MAKER SERVICE AWARD: 2017
- 5-TIME INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS: 2016, 2017
- FUTURE INSPIRING WOMEN OF THE SOUTHWEST: 2016
- U.S. ARMY – PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS/ATHLETICS/SERVICE: 2016
- PRESIDENT’S GOLD AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE – OVER 1,000 VOLUNTEER HOURS: 2015, 2016
- RHODES COLLEGE SCHOLAR AWARD: 2016
- PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD: 2016
- USAT WOMEN FOR TRIATHLON AMBASSADOR: 2015, 2016
- USAT WOMEN FOR TRIATHLON AMBASSADOR: 2015, 2016
- ESPRIT DE SHE TRIATHLON AMBASSADOR: 2015, 2016
- L.A. PEACE FUND RADIO INSPIRATIONAL ATHLETE: 2015
- GLORIA BARRON PRIZE FOR YOUNG HEROES: 2014
- ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS PHILANTHROPY AWARD: 2013
- KRLD RADIO COMMUNITY HERO AWARD: 2013
- KOHL’S CARES REGIONAL AWARD: 2013
- JANUS CHARITY CHALLENGE NATIONAL AWARD: 2013
- USAT JEFF JEWELL NATIONAL INTEGRITY AWARD: 2013
- HEART OF AMERICA CHRISTOPHER REEVE AWARD: 2013
- KIDS HELPING KIDS AMBASSADOR OF HOPE AWARD: 2012