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Spotlight On NPC Figure Competitor: Kenna Smoak
Category you compete in: NPC Fig
ure
Date of birth: 10-19-1989
Hometown: Boiling Springs, NC
Career: GA Athletic Performance Coach at Gardner-Webb University. I am the strength and conditioning coach for various Olympic sports and assist with Football. I also am pursuing my Master’s in Sport Pedagogy. Undergraduate degree is in Kinesiology from the University of Alabama and I have certifications through CSCS, USAW, CSCCa, and NASM. I consider myself extremely lucky, because I always have known exactly what I have wanted to do---make athletes better!
If you could change into a superhero for a day who would you be and why?
Captain Underpants if he can save lives in his underwear, the confidence to step on stage in a suit should be no sweat.
If not him then I would be She-Ra the Princess of Power, because if I am in a weight room all day unlimited power would keep things exciting.
What made you begin dedicating your lifestyle to this sport?
Growing up I was always an athlete, but sports came to a stop my junior year of high school to have back surgery. Up until that point I had been playing on the offensive line for my high school football team in Atlanta, Georgia. Football to me was the ultimate challenge and became the focus of all my athletics. I began lifting hard and heavy to keep up with the guys at a young age, but after a while all the training I did could not make up for the fact they were growing boys.
After back surgery I knew I needed a goal, because my competitive drive was still there. I turned to figure, because I had already built such a foundation in the weight room. I gained knowledge about nutrition, got into distance running, learned to walk in heels and put it all together my senior year of high school.
That led me to the Teen/Collegiate Nationals where I met my coach Shannon Dey of Team Bombshell. They have helped me better myself on and off the stage since then.
What approach do you take to dieting...carb cycle..keto?
My simple rule is if it does not have a mother or come from the ground then you probably should not eat it. I eat clean balanced meals and do not cut whole food groups completely out, because I feel they work together to obtain the most benefits in the long run. This means my life does not drastically change for a show and I do not even think of it as a diet. I enjoy training and therefore, eat food that is going to benefit me to improve day in and day out.
What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about competing?
Probably that being around food or alcohol that I cannot have bothers me. I have my goals that I am set out to accomplish and that desire is so far past any other temptation around me. Also I will not judge someone else for how they choose to treat their body. It is not my business. That being said I want to be invited places and be social.
What is your most embarassing childhood memory?
This would go back to my pee-wee football days when boys and girls still had cooties. I thought I was going to move from guard to center. This was big because then I would touch the ball. Our quarterback pitched a fit and refused to touch my butt at the snaps. He probably regrets this now...haha.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about YOURSELF during your contest prep?
I have le
arned that figure is a process and to take each day and challenge one at a time. I like to think if you can fool yourself you can fool anybody. This means all doubt in your abilities must be ignored and pushed through and then over time you gain confidence from these daily triumphs. Then my outlook changes to if I cannot do this or do not have what it takes then who in the world can? That earned attitude I have learned will lead to big things happening.
Who do you look up and admire and why?
My favorite athlete was always Jerry Rice, because of his famous work ethic and records/superbowls to show for it.
I will always look up to my dad and try to mirror his definition of discipline and ability to lead people.
Competition history:
2008- Eastern Seaboard 2nd Class C
2009- Gadsden Alabama 4th Class C & 1st Teen, Teen Nationals 1st B, Ft. Lauderdale Cup 2nd Teen
2010- Shannon Dey Classic 1st Jr. B & 5th C, Gadsden Alabama 4th, Collegiate Nationals 2nd, Atlanta Coastal 4th C, Alabama State 2nd B
2012- Atlantic States, Charlotte Victory 1st, and North Americans 14th
Next competition: NPC Pittsburgh 5-4 & NPC Junior USA’s 5-18
Favorite Motivational Quote: “My God given talent is my ability to stick with training longer than anybody else. “Herschel Walker
When confronted with iron-will determination, I can see Time, Fate, and Circumstance calling a hasty conference and deciding, “We might as well let him have his dream. He said he’s going to get there or die trying.” -Jim Rohn
Who would you like to thank?
My coaches at Team Bombshell and all my team members that have helped me grow up as a person and continually improve on stage. My parents and younger brother for their continual support and raising me to believe you can have anything you work for. Joe Elam and Rapid Sports Performance for helping me heal my back and giving me direction. The strength staff at Alabama, Georgia Tech and Gardner-Webb for helping develop my career and growth as a person.
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