TEAMS
We are now located near Knoxville, TN!
Current Club Teams Offered:
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Club Cross Country Running
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Club Track and Field
One on One Coaching
We offer Personalized Coaching:
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Online, Holistic Approach (Confidence Building, Comprehensive Evaluation, Mindset, Performance, Nutrition, Performance Nutrition, Cardiovascular training, Strength Training, Injury Prevention, Mobility, Agility, Goal Setting, Goal Execution, and most with additional materials such as full length videos and print outs.
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One on One Zoom Meetings (weekly or biweekly)
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One month to full year plans
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In person sessions (must have one parent present)
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In Person Session/Clinic Locations
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Groups of 2 or more, or one parent must be present
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The Yates' in Rockford, TN
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Alcoa Greenway Trail (Greenway Bike Path) Williams Mill Rd and Old Knoxville Hwy
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Schedule details/directions are updated in our SportsYou team app!
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OUR VENMO:
Who This is For
YOUTH AGES 7-18 years old
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This program is specifically for those wanting to compete in athletics at a focused, competition level. Although this program is competitive, we will help you grow, have fun and achieve your goals!
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For Groups, I will divide out the group based on ages/goals.
ZERO Tolerance Policy:
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Abuse and harassment
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Violence and misconduct
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Disruptive behavior (this includes ANY actions that take away from teammates or the coach or assistants). ​
"How many kids are lucky enough to be coached by a world class athlete! Michele is an inspiration to the kids she coaches (and their parents too). And Michele's coaching goes far beyond running. She helps the kids build relationships and learn health habits that will last them a lifetime."
Chad Krofta, Morrison
Our History
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Our Beginning
MMXC started in the Fall of 2023 as Coach Michele envisioned youth running for the mountain community.
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2023 Success
Several athletes qualified individually for the Regional XC Meet and one for the National XC Meet. Everyone improved with personal bests throughout the season.
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2024 Indoor Track
The kids didn't stop there. Several continued into the indoor track season with ALL earning personal bests by season's end. Including one state champion at multiple events and numerous top 3 finishes at the State Meet. 2025 saw continued success with numerous Personal Bests and national qualifiers.
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Vision
To ignite a passion for their purpose in every life we touch.
No matter the sport, we will be sure the young athlete has a strong foundation mentally and physically to rise above the competition.
Meet the Coach
Michele Yates
For over two decades, Michele has dedicated herself to coaching runners at every level, from beginners running their first race at age six to elite athletes who have proudly represented the USA and Canadian National Teams on the world stage. Her athletes have achieved remarkable success, including a 4th-place finish at the World Championships. Michele's extensive experience spans group training, youth fitness programs, individual coaching, fitness club management, and personal studio operations. Her comprehensive background allows her to provide expert guidance in nutrition, cardiovascular training, core strength, flexibility, and running technique—empowering every athlete to reach their full potential.
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Michele's athletic foundation was built at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), where she graduated in May 2005 with a degree in Kinesiology, concentrating in fitness management. During her collegiate career, she was a standout member of the UNLV Cross Country and Track teams, breaking school records in both the indoor 5K and Steeplechase. Her academic excellence, combined with competitive experience, laid the groundwork for her future success as both an athlete and a coach.
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Following college, Michele's professional running career demonstrated remarkable versatility and success across distances from 5K to 100 miles on both roads and trails. Her notable achievements include 10 road marathon wins, numerous course records, two-time Olympic Trials qualifier in the road marathon, and being named Ultra Runner of the Year by Ultrarunning Magazine. As a four-time USA Track & Field National Champion, she has represented Team USA at multiple World and NACAC Championships. Her impressive accomplishments reflect the dedication, skill, and passion she applies to every aspect of performance in athletics.
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QUESTIONS? Please email Michele@ruggedrunning.com
Coach Michele
