Lou Ferreira knows how to drop the mic. Take her 1,000-yard rushing, MVP football career. That was a one-and-done for the petite girl playing in the boy’s league. Then there was the season she suited up as the Pink Power Ranger. And the year she played for the U.S. Women’s Soccer National Team. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the National Championship she won at the University of North Carolina. Oh wait – she won four of those before her walk-off at Chapel Hill.
Now the budding rock star has found her calling and it includes helping mere mortals realize their physical potential.
The nutritionist and coach at Gymnazo recently slowed down long enough to answer our questions and talk about what this personal trainer is personally working on, taking Madonna to coffee, and the possibility of a Lou Ferreira vs Lou Ferrigno throwdown.
You’re a personal trainer, what personal quality are you working on?
Career-wise, I’m working on being in the top of my field. Personal life-wise, I’m trying to find balance in family, work, friends and making sure that I’m happy and healthy.
What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A professional athlete. When I was really young it was football, then tennis and eventually, because I got so good at it, soccer.
Which historical figure would you like to take to coffee?
This is not a historical figure, but I would absolutely take Madonna to coffee if I could. I’ve been a fan since I can remember and I’ve always been very intrigued by her life.
Which talent would you most like to have?
The ability to make great music. I would like to be a rock star.
What do you most value in your friends?
Unconditional love
What is your greatest fear?
Failure. Then, spiders.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Doing what I love to do, and being financially free to travel the world and experience different cultures. And being able to spend time with family and friends and have amazing experiences.
You don’t seem too fitted for a desk job.
If I had to work a desk job I think I would die! No disrespect to anyone who does, a lot of great work gets done behind a desk, but I could not do it.
You won four national championships, played for the U.S. Women’s Soccer National Team, had an MVP 1,000-yard-rushing season as the only girl in your peewee football league, and you suited up as the Pink Power Ranger, what’s next, a Lou Ferreira vs Lou Ferrigno: American Ninja Warrior Battle Royale? “The Kerfuffle on the Coast”
I’m definitely down for the Lou Ferrigno Ninja Challenge. Sounds like fun and I think I could take him for sure!
For someone who has always been an athlete, played soccer in front of tens of thousands, and hoisted championship trophies, why spend your time helping people who are more likely to chase kids or even grandkids than ever run in the Coliseum?
Because it feeds my soul. I think helping people has always been a part of who I am since I was little. Besides my God-given talent to move, my athletic ability, I also have a God-given talent to help people realize their potential. There is nothing that feels better than to see someone better themselves and know that you were a part of making that happen.