In Focus | Nicole DeGoeij

Meet Nicole DeGoeij. Nicole was born in Kitimat but has lived in Kamloops for almost three years. She loves spending time with family, working out, and travelling.

Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kamloops?
I was born and raised in Kitimat B.C, but have been living here in Kamloops for just under 3 years.

Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
I am lucky enough to have so many incredible people in my life. It is impossible to pick just one. However, I do have an incredible Nephew and Niece that I don't get to see enough. They are such a breath of fresh air and remind you how wonderful life is.

What is your favourite local store in Kamloops and why?
Real Deals on Home Decor - Love what they have in store and the people who work there are always so kind. My home is full of decor from there!

Describe yourself in one word.
Dedicated.

If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Anywhere I have never been - I love seeing new places and going on adventures - it is to hard to pick one place when there are so many incredible places in the world that I have yet to see.

What is your favourite activity in Kamloops?
Working out and coaching at Kamloops Crossfit Apostle.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
In my 1st year of university I accidentally wore underwear on the back of my sweater without knowing it, for 5 hours, someone finally told me in the library but it was too late, I was known as Underwear Girl for a long time! That static cling got me good.

What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
I have been fortunate enough to travel to different parts of the world. It is so inspiring to see how other people live and operate. It really shows you that there is more to this life then what is around just us. Other cultures and other lifestyles, other ways of living. It is constantly reminding me that it is important to see the world and try new things.

Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Monthly swim trips to competitions! They were always filled with laughter and fun with friends from the team and also some swimming. If I'm being honest, I also liked winning, what can I say, I'm very competitive. It was always a nice feeling, even when I was young to see hard work pay off!

Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I don't currently volunteer, however, I coach at Kamloops Crossfit Apostle. It is so great when people come in with fitness and health goals and I am able to help them achieve those goals. I truly believe that fitness, whether for a healthier lifestyle or for a competition is so important. I am never to busy to help someone who wants to better their health.

If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
If I could change anything, it would be that everyone in the world would have a roof over their head. Having the opportunities I have had to travel to some other parts of the world have really opened my eyes to the fact that we here in Canada are so lucky. I just wish that everyone had a home to go to.

Where would you sneak away to in Kamloops to spend some time alone?
I really don't like being alone, I am 100% an extrovert, however the rare moments I need some time to myself I like to escape to airport beach with my fur baby Betty!

Where would you like to see positive change in Kamloops and why?
I would love to see more affordable community fitness opportunities, where people could come together and support one another to achieve their goals, and become healthier and have an overall better quality of life.

What do you think makes Kamloops great?
Kamloops has something for everyone. Indoor and outdoor activities for all the seasons, and it still has a small town feel.

What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. To see as much of the world as possible. I know I may not see it all but a girl can dream!!
2. To Squat Sntach 200lbs (an Olympic lift we do in CrossFit regularly).
3. To learn how to play an instrument.

Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I was afraid of the dark until I was 15 years old.

How do people connect with you, personally, through social media?
instagram is best - @Nicoledegoeij, I am also on Facebook!

What is the name of your business/organization?
I am a coach at Kamloops Crossfit Apostle and also an x-ray and CT technologist at the RIH.

Why did you get into/start this business?
When I moved to Kamloops I found CrossFit and was hooked! So after about a year, I knew I wanted to coach, so I got my CrossFit level 1 coaching and approached Nate Jones and Leah Wagner who own Kamloops CrossFit Apostle, and I now coach for them!

What is the goal of your business?
I just love helping people reach their health and fitness goals! I also get to help people at the hospital.

What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
I had an internal struggle deciding what to do for the rest of my life, it took me a long time to decide X-ray school. I now work at RIH as a casual x-ray/CT tech. I love my job and it allows me to coach on the side.

What do you always find yourself saying?
It could always be worse, don't let it get to you!

Tell us your best piece of life advice.
Life is not always fair, all you can do is keep on going. It will get better as long as you can wait out the storm. Don't ever give up!

If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
Kara Webb - She is a CrossFit athlete from Australia. She is a role model of mine. I would love to spend the day with her and pick her brain about all the things! I am sure she would increase my knowledge of CrossFit, but she also just seems like a cool human to be around!

Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
It is important to keep Kamloops unique, and our local shops do that! We need to keep them thriving!

What has been your proudest accomplishment?
Graduating x-ray technology school with Honors - I was never a book worm so making honors was a big accomplishment for me!

Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Medical Imaging Department at RIH - It is a busy place and the people that I work with are hard working and amazing humans!

My choice for the KamloopsBCNow In Focus spotlight is:
Amy Pozzobon.

Some general comments I would like to share are:
If you want to increase your health and improve your quality of life, start exercising, do it now, don't wait. I am not saying you need to do crossfit. Just find something that you enjoy and will want to go back to time after time. Having a community behind you really helps make it easier. Don't be intimidated and remember, everyone was new at one time!

We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE. Thank you, Kamloops.

In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great!