The WAGS Work Series aims to show our readers that we are more than the stereotypes you might be familiar with--we're creative, hard-working, driven, and willing to do whatever it takes to make this lifestyle work. We also hope to inspire women in all walks of life to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to working and creating the lives of their dreams. Please reach out to the women featured in this series if you have questions or want to learn more about what they do.

TELL US WHO YOU ARE, HOW YOU GOT INTO THE BASEBALL WORLD, AND A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU  AND YOUR HUSBAND.  

Hi! My name is Antonella Valencia Schwarz, married to catcher JJ Schwarz, and dog mom to Griffey Schwarz :) 

My husband and I met at the University of Florida back in 2017 (Go Gators!!) and baseball has been part of our lives ever since. 

I have always loved sports, I was a competitive runner growing up and had also competed in some bodybuilding, so I knew I wanted to study something human body/anatomy related. I originally was a pre-med major, switched to a pre-PT path, and then ultimately decided Athletic Training would be it. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU? HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

I have always had an entrepreneurial itch. Ever since the age of 16 when I began working, I always worked under the guise of my own business. Whether that be as a nanny providing child care services, or as a personal trainer (very different from an athletic trainer!!) providing workouts for clients. I kind of always knew I wanted to work for myself. It’s very common for athletic trainers to work for a school/university or exclusively a team, but I knew that was just too narrowed down for me. I needed options and I loved a flexible schedule (even before I met my hubby). 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT YOU DO, AND HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WERKIN’ IT.

AV Performance & Fitness was born while I was in college at the University of Florida. There I earned a Bachelors in Athletic Training and a Masters in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology with a specialization in Human Performance. Upon graduation I moved to Denver, Colorado and worked part time at an orthopedic and training facility where I learned from some truly incredible people and clinicians. AVP is what it is because of the experiences I’ve generously been granted and the amazing people who have poured life (and knowledge) into me!

I now work completely independently and offer rehabilitative and recovery services, structured and periodized exercise programming for all kinds of sport and life goals, nutrition guidance and coaching (I am not an RD so I do not provide meal plans nor medical nutrition advice, for that I refer to my trusty RD friends!), educational seminars, and contract athletic training services for high schools, club teams, college teams, clinics, hospitals, and industrial settings. All of these services can and are provided in person or remote! 

WAS YOUR SUCCESS IMMEDIATE OR DID IT TAKE TIME?

It definitely took time!! AV Performance started as very basic personal training that evolved over many years, many degrees, and many certifications into a more medical and methodological approach to training. I really did not know what I was doing at the age of 19, but had I not started AVP then, it would not be what it is today. The best advice I can give to anyone is to START NOW, no matter how unqualified you might feel.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED AND HOW HAVE YOU PERSEVERED IN HARD TIMES?

Transitioning to working completely for yourself can be a bit scary. I took that leap after we got married and realized long distance was no longer for us. I was only dedicating a handful of hours a week to AVP since I was also working in person and finishing up my Masters degree, so it was essentially a side hustle for many years. I think the fear of my business “not being enough” and the uncertainty of the future were truly daunting, but what motivated me was a future for my family and doing what I truly truly love. And it sure has been worth it! I wouldn’t have it any other way.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE RUNNING A BUSINESS AND LIVING THE BASEBALL LIFE?

The beauty of running your own business is you work your own hours. That also means you work at any hour. I do a lot of work from my computer, tablet, and phone so I can get things done while we travel. I do a ton of preparation ahead of time so that no matter what comes up, my clients always have the materials they need. I take work calls at baseball games, bring my computer to baseball games, and sometimes miss a few games to get ahead so I can make it to the best games. I have licenses to practice in multiple states making it possible to work no matter where we go, and I make an effort to network in every town we visit. While JJ is at the field I am usually working and if he’s home I try to unplug so that we can spend quality time together (since we know it’s hard to come by during the season!).

HOW DID STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS IMPACT YOUR LIFE PERSONALLY, AND FOR THE TWO OF YOU?

Starting my own business gave me the freedom to do what I love but also be with the ones I love most. It’s a tough decision to have to choose between the two and I feel lucky that I no longer do.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL WORKDAY LIKE FOR YOU IN THE SEASON? IN THE OFF-SEASON?

A typical work day during the season looks like: 

• workout

• morning calls while JJ sleeps in (from super late baseball games) 

• quality family time, late morning to early afternoon

• more calls, programming, visiting a local client, school, clinic, hospital etc, (basically anything work related) 

• baseball game (I bring some work with me always even if its something simple on my phone) 

• dinner/ bed time

A typical work day during the off-season:

• workout (both of us, him way longer than me) 

• all the work things through the day

• family time/ lunch 

• I do a lot more contract work for facilities in the off season which usually take place in the afternoons 

• dinner/ bed time/ a lot more fun actives/ exploring/ traveling 

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON AND WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Currently I am working on offering more education based tools and posting more on social media. I’d like to be better in the marketing department and be more present on social media but it’s something I struggle with (I’ll take any tips!!).

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WAGS WHO HOPE TO START A SERVICE-BASED BUSINESS?

Start now!! Don’t lose your identity to your husband or significant other. You aren’t just a baseball wife, you are (insert your name here)! Find something you’re passionate about and go all in. It will be the best decision you make for yourself and for your family. 

WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU ONLINE / HOW CAN WE KEEP UP WITH YOU?
You can find me online at avperformanceandfitness.com and on Instagram @antonellavalencia. I’m doing my best to grow my online platform and engage with everyone! I also love answering questions and if you’re interested in any kind of services that is the perfect place to reach me! :)