AOP: What has motherhood taught you about yourself?
Jaclyn: Motherhood has taught me that I can’t take life too seriously. I’ve learned that so much of life is about how you respond to the things you can control and learning to let go of the things you can’t. I’ve become more flexible, more patient, and much better at going with the flow. It has also taught me to see more beauty in the basic, everyday things. The little moments I might have overlooked before mean so much.
AOP: What do you love most about coaching, and what have you learned from the girls you coach?
Jaclyn: I love coaching high school girls soccer because I genuinely love the players and the staff. Every day is a new opportunity to have fun, get better, and challenge both the girls and myself. I love that I can participate in drills with them and get a workout alongside them while pushing them to work a little harder.
I’ve learned that teenage girls are thoughtful and goofy, and at the end of the day, they really just want to be seen, valued, and accepted by their group. I’ve also learned that losses are hard, but what matters most is how you pick yourself back up, learn from it, and move forward.
One of the biggest lessons they’ve reinforced for me is that how you do anything is how you do everything. Your true character shows up when things get tough, when you’re tired, when you’re frustrated, when you lose, or when things don’t go your way. Watching these girls navigate those moments has reminded me that the lessons we learn through sports are really lessons about life.
AOP: What is it like raising puppies alongside your children, and what do you think your kids have learned from the experience?
Jaclyn: We feel so blessed to have been able to raise four beautiful, healthy litters of Mini Australian Labradoodles. Raising puppies alongside my children has brought me so much unexpected happiness. I think my kids are learning how to be gentle, patient, and loving, while also understanding the responsibility that comes with caring for another life.
AOP: What inspired you to pursue fitness coaching at this stage of your life?
Jaclyn: My cousin and I have always dreamed about being fitness instructors and one day opening our own fitness studio. So when I saw an ad that Orangetheory, where I’ve been taking fitness classes since 2018, was looking for a new coach, it immediately caught my attention. A few days later, I was still thinking about the opportunity, so I reached out to see if I might be a good candidate. Their reaction was so enthusiastic that I decided to go for it!
I pursued my NASM-CPT certification to become a certified personal trainer, and I honestly loved learning so many new things throughout the course. It has given me a whole new perspective on fitness that I know I can apply not only to my own personal fitness journey, but also to my soccer coaching and future career in fitness.
Now that I’ve passed my certification exam, I’m excited to continue this next chapter, attend Orangetheory training, and officially step into a new role as an Orangetheory coach. It feels like a really natural extension of what I’ve already been doing, while also giving me the opportunity to grow and try something new.
AOP: How do you make time for your own health and wellness while caring for everyone else?
Jaclyn: For me, wellness goes beyond exercise. I make a point to have weekly “mom dates”, and I also have monthly dinner with a group of girlfriends, and we try a new restaurant each time. Those little moments give me a chance to recharge, connect with other women, and remember that taking care of myself is just as important as taking care of everyone else.
AOP: If you could encourage another mom who is considering making a career change, pursuing a dream or simply trying to find herself again in motherhood, what would you tell her?
Jaclyn: Give yourself grace, and remember that you can be a work in progress and a masterpiece at the same dang time. You don’t have to have it all figured out to take the next step. Find the opportunity in every day, and remember that if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.
Rapid Fire
Sneakers or sandals? Sneakers
Puppy cuddles or baby cuddles? Watching my babies cuddle puppies!
One word to describe your family. Full
Favorite way to recharge: workout, quiet time, or girls’ night? Workout WITH the girls
If you could instantly master one new skill? Learn another language.
Jaclyn Button and her husband, Wesley, were married in 2018 and they love the life they’ve built together in Opelika. They are proud parents to two little ones, Hallie (3) and Luka (1), who keep their days full of fun and adventure. Jaclyn primarily stays home with the kids while also coaching the Opelika Varsity Soccer team. When she’s not cheering on her players or spending time with her family, she enjoys working out and breeding miniature Australian Shepherds. Between two busy kiddos and adorable puppies often underfoot, the Button household is always full of activity, love, and plenty of cuddles!
Author: Staff
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