A Long Time Ago…

At 18, I enrolled at the Athens University of Economics and Business to study Business and Management. A few years later, I completed a BSc in Business Administration (majoring in Accounting & Finance) followed by an MBA with a specialisation in technology. I was a “high flyer” in school—driven, capable, and, like many at that age, not entirely sure what I truly wanted. Influenced by expectations and ideas of success, I followed a conventional path into high-status, high-salary professions.

But as it turned out, I wasn’t made for desk jobs or office routines. I’ve always had a natural affinity for movement and anything physical. I grew up playing many sports—competitive swimming in elementary school and volleyball throughout high school. Then, at 21, I discovered windsurfing. Five years later, I was competing internationally on the PWA World Tour. While I didn’t pursue a full-time professional athletic career, I achieved several highlights: placing 2nd in Gran Canaria (2008) and finishing 5th overall in the PWA Wave rankings (2009 and 2011). I also claimed the Greek women’s wave and freestyle titles multiple times.

Life-Changing Events

Two major setbacks reshaped my path. The first came in March 2010, when I fractured my C2 vertebra in four places during a training session on the water. The second happened in April 2014, when I was hit by a car while crossing the street. The impact caused a severe (6th degree) tibial plateau fracture on my right leg. That accident marked the end of my competitive windsurfing aspirations—but it also turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

As we say in Greece, ill winds blow somebody good. During my long rehabilitation, I had time to reflect. I realised my natural working environment wasn’t behind a screen—it was with people, in motion, outdoors. I became fascinated by the human body, began coaching windsurfing more seriously, and discovered a new passion: helping people move, stay healthy, and achieve their goals.

The Transition

My first experience teaching windsurfing came in 2008, even before I held a formal qualification. That same year, I launched the first “Girls Windsurfing Camp” in Greece, aiming to introduce more women to the sport and inspire them to progress. Between 2008 and 2011, these camps drew over 300 participants—a record at the time. In 2011, I obtained my first official windsurfing coaching licence.

To further my shift into full-time coaching, I left my business/tech job and moved to London in 2015 to study for a Personal Trainer diploma. I completed it a year later and quickly realised that if I wanted to truly understand athletic performance, I needed more than just a PT certificate—I needed scientific depth.

So, in December 2017, I sat the entry exams for the Physical Education & Sport Science Department at the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens. I graduated in June 2021 with a BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science and went on to complete an MSc in Sport Science (Strength & Conditioning).

Today

I have now embarked on my PhD. I work as a Physical Education teacher in secondary education and as a strength and conditioning coach for individuals and athletes aiming to improve their health, fitness, and performance. Every day, I’m grateful for the chance to help others grow stronger, move better, and feel more alive.