News Post

After 21 years as the coach of St. Joseph’s Academy’s Strength and Conditioning program, which she established in 2005, Elizabeth “Liz” Fontenot will transition into a new role as Wellness and Performance coach. The new program is designed to strengthen the well-being of students, faculty and staff by promoting a holistic approach to health, learning and faith formation. Grounded in the mission and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Wellness and Performance will blend wellness education, physical literacy, mindfulness, Catholic prayer practices and coaching to help individuals thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

Coach Fontenot began her SJA career in 1998 as a member of the Health and Physical Education department. Over the years, she served as head soccer coach, assistant track and field coach, assistant cross country coach and assistant softball coach.

Working with student-athletes across several sports, Coach Fontenot became aware of the need to help them improve strength, stamina and performance. At a time when high school girls weren’t offered such opportunities, Coach Fontenot approached the school’s administration to express her desire to establish a strength and conditioning program to help young women maximize their abilities, increase physical endurance and reduce the occurrence of preventable injuries. 

“Liz’s nearly three decades of dedication to our school community, combined with her deep expertise in coaching, strength and conditioning, and health education and paired with her deep love of the Catholic faith, make her uniquely prepared for this mission-driven role,” said Principal Stacia Andricain. “As our Wellness and Performance coach, she will strengthen the culture of balance and resilience we value so deeply.”

Coach Fontenot, who will continue to teach in the Health and Physical Education department, said she is excited about the opportunity to help build on a culture of wellness that reaches students and faculty/staff in a meaningful, lasting way. “At SJA, wellness isn’t just about physical health,” she said. “It’s about caring for the whole person: body, mind and spirit. This type of integration is powerful. We want the SJA community to champion the idea that wellness is not separate from our faith. It’s part of honoring the life we have been given by God. It helps us answer the question, ‘How do I care for myself so I can better serve others?’”

As she continues her work with young women during an important stage of their development, Coach Fontenot said she is also excited to work with faculty and staff. “When teachers and staff are involved in wellness initiatives, it strengthens the entire school community,” she said. “It creates a shared sense of balance and well-being that students can see modeled every day.”
    
The Wellness and Performance program will support and collaborate with the Health and Physical Education department, the Counseling Center, food and nutrition curriculum, Campus Ministry and the Theology department in teaching nutrition, movement, sleep hygiene, stress management, coping skills, resilience, healthy relationships and purpose-driven living. Through workshops, fitness opportunities, wellness challenges and faith-centered activities, the program will encourage lifelong healthy habits and foster a culture where students, faculty and staff feel supported, connected and empowered to perform at their best while growing in confidence, balance, leadership, academic excellence and service to others.

“I enjoy the creative side of building programs,” Coach Fontenot said of her new role, “developing workouts, planning activities and even reimagining spaces to support movement and wellness. Bringing new ideas to life and seeing their impact on this school community is something I find really rewarding.”