Meet Sarah Elizabeth Segrest

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Elizabeth Segrest and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah Elizabeth, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
In early 2025, I had a conversation with a local run club owner that changed everything. They told me they wanted to build a stronger sense of community in their club and asked for my thoughts on the matter. I told them, “You can’t talk about wanting community if you are not going out into the community and identifying what the needs are.”

That belief came from my own journey. When I moved from Tennessee to Texas in September 2024, I was ready for a fresh start. I quickly joined the local running scene, eager to connect. Although I connected with some people, my overall experience was challenging. I felt excluded from a tight-knit circle and was hurt by untrue rumors from people who didn’t even know me. It wasn’t the sense of belonging I was looking for.

In 2025, I signed up for my very first triathlon—a half Ironman in Galveston, Texas. To get ready, I raced a couple of local sprint triathlons, and in my second race, I surprised myself by winning my age group. That win earned me a spot at the 2025 USA Triathlon Sprint Nationals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Before Milwaukee, I went to Omaha for the Multisport Nationals—and that’s where everything shifted. The triathlon community there welcomed me with open arms. Athletes I’d just met gave me advice, encouragement, and genuine friendship. One person even sent me triathlon gear for free after finding out I was new to the sport. That kind of generosity stayed with me—it showed me the way a sports community should feel.

That’s why I started The Collective Tri. I wanted to create a place where newcomers feel supported, athletes lift each other up, and kindness is at the heart of everything we do. To me, it’s about showing up for each other, putting others first, and being part of something bigger than yourself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was born in Vietnam and adopted to the U.S. as a baby, and I’ve carried that truth with me my whole life—this quiet awareness that my story could have been so different. That’s why I live with such deep gratitude. Every start line feels like a gift. Every finish line feels like a promise kept. Triathlon began as a personal challenge, but it’s become something much bigger—a way to connect, to give back, and to honor the second chance I was given.

What I’m proudest of isn’t the medals or podiums—it’s the small, quiet moments. Calling a friend and helping calm their nerves before their first race. Sitting with a friend after a brutal finish, letting the silence speak what words can’t. Watching someone’s eyes light up when they realize they can do more than they ever believed. I know what it’s like to doubt yourself, to feel like you don’t quite belong. That’s why I want to be the voice that says, “You do belong. You are enough. You are stronger than you think.”

It hasn’t been easy to get here. I’ve had seasons where I questioned whether I was good enough, where the physical and mental exhaustion made me want to walk away. There were races where I felt like I let people down. There were days when the training felt lonely. But I learned that strength isn’t just in your body—it’s in showing up when your heart feels heavy, in forgiving yourself for setbacks, and in keeping your eyes on something bigger than yourself.

For me, it’s never been just about my own progress—it’s about using what I’ve learned to open the door for someone else. Every ounce of strength I’ve gained means more when it’s shared, and every lesson is more powerful when it helps someone else take their next step. That’s why I race, why I show up, and why I’ll keep going.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would take them to one of my favorite coffee shops, La Souq. One of my best friends introduced me to this place, and I have fallen in love with it ever since! I love their Habibti Latte and Labne a la Libanaise toast.

After grabbing coffee, I would probably take them around White Rock Lake for a run or bike ride, followed by a light lunch at Okaeri Cafe for some noodles and other light snacks!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I have to thank God. Every breath I take, every mile I’m able to swim, bike, or run, is a gift from Him. My faith has been my anchor through every high and low in my triathlon journey, and I truly believe He placed the right people in my life at exactly the right times.

I’m so grateful for my family, who have supported me from the very beginning. They’ve taught me the values of hard work, humility, and gratitude. I also have to thank my coaches, training partners, and the incredible triathlon community who have encouraged me, challenged me, and reminded me that this sport is about more than competition—it’s about connection, perseverance, and lifting each other up.

And lastly, I want to thank those quiet encouragers—the friends who pray for me before races, the volunteers, the strangers who smile and cheer from the sidelines. You all remind me that kindness, no matter how small, leaves an impact far beyond what we can see.

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