Today we’d like to introduce you to Abigail Garza.
Hi Abigail, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey hasn’t been a straight line, but it’s shaped exactly who I am as a coach today. I have always had a love for fitness, but it really took off in college, I was in the gym 5 or 6 days a week while playing on the women’s golf team and studying kinesiology at the University of Central Oklahoma with plans to pursue my master’s in athletic training. Then everything changed—my brother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I immediately dropped out of school and moved back home to be with my family.
Even during that difficult season, my love for fitness never went away. When I returned home, I started helping with our family business, Short Game Strong, and realized that my passion for movement and performance was still very much alive. I continued learning, earned my TPI certification, and began working toward my NASM certification so I could truly serve people with the best knowledge and training possible.
Over time, I’ve developed a deep belief that too many people view exercise as a punishment—something they “have to” do. But movement is a privilege. It’s something to be grateful for. My mission now is to help people fall in love with their fitness, to see it as empowering, joyful, and something that elevates their life rather than restricts it.
That’s the heart behind everything I do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, but I also recognize how fortunate I’ve been. My parents paved the way for me in so many ways—they’ve always encouraged me to chase my dreams and made sure I had what I needed to reach them. Their support has been one of the biggest gifts in my journey.
The hardest part came when I dropped out of school after my brother’s diagnosis. Walking away from my degree, my life on campus, and the jobs I had lined up after graduation was difficult. It felt like everything I had been working toward suddenly shifted. But looking back, I would make the same choice every single time. That decision brought me home to my family, led me to where I’m meant to be, and ultimately put me on the path I’m on today.
And today, I’m living close to the people I love most, I’m happily married, and we’re expecting our first child. The road wasn’t perfect, but it led to a life I’m deeply grateful for.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a fitness professional specializing in golf performance, strength training, and helping people build a healthier relationship with movement. Through Short Game Strong, I work with golfers, athletes, and everyday clients who want to feel stronger, move better, and build confidence in their bodies. I’m TPI certified and continuing my education through NASM so I can bring both science-backed training and real-world experience to every session.
What I’m most proud of is the way my clients leave feeling empowered—not just physically stronger, but mentally stronger too. I want people to walk away realizing that fitness isn’t punishment or a chore; it’s something they get to do. Helping someone go from dreading workouts to genuinely enjoying their training is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
What sets me apart is the level of personalization and care I put into every client. I’m not just handing out generic programs. I pay attention to how people move, what their goals are, what motivates them, and what makes them feel successful. My goal is to meet people exactly where they are and show them that their fitness can be something they truly love—not just something they “have to” check off a list.
At the end of the day, I’m here to help people unlock the best version of themselves, both on and off the course. That’s what drives me every day.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When it comes to finding mentors, my best advice is to look for people who genuinely embody the qualities you want—not just in their career, but in how they treat people. The mentors who have shaped me the most weren’t people I chased down; they were people already in my life who led by example.
My top two mentors have been my dad—who has always been the person pushing me to dream bigger and believe in myself—and my personal trainer, Lane Bunch. Training with Lane showed me what it feels like to have someone in your corner who truly cares about your progress, your confidence, and your overall wellbeing. He didn’t just coach me physically; he supported me as a whole person. Experiencing that kind of guidance is one of the biggest reasons I went into this field. I wanted to help people feel the way he made me feel.
What has worked well for me is staying open, asking questions, and being willing to learn from anyone who has walked the path before me. Mentorship doesn’t always happen through formal networking—it often comes from building genuine relationships, being curious, and surrounding yourself with people who inspire you.
Pricing:
- assessment $75
