It’s time to welcome the leadership team that will guide Gulf Winds Triathletes into the 2025 season!
Our goal as your Board of Directors is to serve as representatives of our membership. We aim to work together to ensure Gulf Winds Triathletes is a welcoming place for people to learn and grow in the sport of triathlon.
If you have any input about ways to make Gulf Winds Triathletes a better place, feel free to share your input with BOD members individually, or email [email protected] with any questions, suggestions, concerns, or comments.
We’re here for you! Let’s make the 2025 season the best yet.
President’s Message: It’s an honor to serve as president of this incredible community of triathletes. My vision for the club is simple: to foster a welcoming and uplifting environment that inspires individuals of all backgrounds and abilities to participate in and enjoy the sport of triathlon.
Whether you are brand new to the sport, or a seasoned triathlete looking to achieve new goals, the club is here to support you every step of the way. This year, we will provide opportunities for training, learning, and growth, ensuring that everyone—from beginners to experienced athletes—has the tools and encouragement needed to succeed.
These activities will include organized group training sessions, clinics led by experienced athletes, and social events that strengthen the bonds within our club. Through these efforts, we aim to cultivate a culture of inclusion, positivity, and mutual support, ensuring that every member feels valued and motivated.
President: Matthew Vermeer
How many years have you been doing triathlon? 4
What’s your favorite race you’ve done so far and why? 70.3 North Carolina. Wilmington has great weather in October. The swim is current-assisted and saltwater so it’s nice dan fast. The run and bike courses are flat and fast.
What’s your favorite triathlon discipline? Bike
If you could give one piece of advice to a new triathlete, what would it be? Be consistent. Commit to mastering the basics of the sport and build from there.
What’s next on your must-do list? (in triathlon or life) I want to continue to improve, mostly at the 70.3 distance. I’ve had a few setbacks over the past year and really want to see how well I can do when I stay healthy.
Vice President- Brittany Vermeer
How many years have you been doing triathlon? 6
What’s your favorite race you’ve done so far and why? It’s a toss up between 70.3 World Championships in St. George, Utah, because the bike course is so beautiful through Snow Canyon; Ironman Florida, because it was my first full, and 70.3 North Carolina, because the weather is amazing in October, the town is historic, and it has a fast swim and great run course.
What’s your favorite triathlon discipline? Swim and bike
If you could give one piece of advice to a new triathlete, what would it be? Seek education. Commit to being curious learner, whether that’s with the help of an experienced coach, supportive community, or reading blogs, books, or watching videos. Learn the foundational basics of swim, bike, and run, so you can master good habits from the start. Then, it’s all about training smarter, not harder, and being consistent in your daily habits.
What’s next on your must-do list? (in triathlon or life) I’ve always wanted to try a Swimrun! I think a partner race would be a lot of fun, and I love swimming and trail running.
Secretary- Averi Lewis
How many years have you been doing triathlon? 9
What’s your favorite race you’ve done so far and why? 70.3 World Championships in New Zealand. Nothing beats the energy at a World Championship and being in New Zealand!
What’s your favorite triathlon discipline? Bike
If you could give one piece of advice to a new triathlete, what would it be? Find people or groups to train with and make it fun! A lot of consistently “good” days add up to a lot more progress than some great days mixed with a lot of bad days or off days.
What’s next on your must-do list? (in triathlon or life) I don’t have a specific destination on the bucket list, but I really want to travel more for races or bike tours and see more parts of the world. Most of my racing up until New Zealand has been fairly local, so I’d like to see more parts of the country and outside of the country via swim, bike, run!
Treasurer- Signe Ulsamer
How many years have you been doing triathlon? 3 years. 2022 Red Hills was my first race. I did that race with a mountain bike and did a lot of Googling about what to wear! Kory invited me to the tri club meeting at the race and here I am, two bikes later.
What’s your favorite race you’ve done so far and why? Gulf Coast 70.3, because it was my first long distance triathlon, and I love swimming in the Gulf of Mexico!
What’s your favorite triathlon discipline? This is hard because I love all three. I enjoy open-water swimming, but pool training is my least favorite. Biking and running are a tie, and I love training for both disciplines.
What’s next on your must-do list? (in triathlon or life) I’m signed up for 70.3 Chattanooga. This race will be a huge reward for making it through the next few months, during which I’m taking four classes, working full-time, oh yeah- and training!
Director at Large- Michelle Comeaux
How many years have you been doing triathlon? 4
What’s your favorite race you’ve done so far and why? 70.3 Boulder. It was a beautiful course with views of the Rocky Mountains and extra challenging with altitude.
What’s your favorite triathlon discipline? Cycling
If you could give one piece of advice to a new triathlete, what would it be? Enjoy the journey and trust the training process.
What’s next on your must-do list? (in triathlon or life) Travel. I have international adventures (non-triathlon) booked for the spring and summer.
Director at Large- Lura Diestelhorst
How many years have you been doing triathlon? 9
What’s your favorite race you’ve done so far and why? My favorite race was Beach Blast (it no longer exists.) One year, the Blue Angels flew over while I was on the run. Another year, a buoy got free, but I didn’t know and I swam after it. Thankfully another swimmer caught me before I made it too far into the depths of the Gulf! There was always a good club turnout and lots of fun.
What’s your favorite triathlon discipline? At the moment, I’m enjoying running.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new triathlete, what would it be? Smile and have fun!
Director at Large- Fran Bridges