Connie began her Jiu Jitsu journey in 2017 after her daughter enrolled at a small gym in Central Virginia. What started as supporting her child quickly turned into a family passion — today Connie and both of her children train and compete.

Over the years, Connie has developed a well-rounded skill set through consistent training and competition. While she enjoys the challenge of competing, her greatest passion is coaching and helping others grow through Jiu Jitsu.

Connie is the first and only female black belt in the Butch Hiles Association and currently the only female black belt in the Richmond area. She earned her black belt under Professor Ron Jacobs and continues to train within the Butch Hiles Association and supporting the association's tournaments-WVGO.

At Apex Jiu Jitsu, Connie leads the Women’s Program, where she focuses on building a strong, supportive training environment that helps women develop skill, confidence, and a lasting connection to Jiu Jitsu.

Some of Connie's notable competition highlights include:

• Silver Atlanta Spring International Open IBJJF 2019
• Gold Washington D.C. Summer International Open IBJJF 2019
• Silver New York Fall International Open IBJJF 2019
• Bronze New York Fall International Open IBJJF 2019- -OPEN WEIGHT
• Silver Fuji Winter Virginia Beach 2020
• Gold New Orleans International Open IBJJF No Gi 2021
• Silver New Orleans International Open IBJJF Gi 2021
• Gold Charlotte International Open IBJJF No-Gi 2021
• Masters Worlds IBJJF Gi 2021 Quarter Finals Competitor
• Silver Atlanta Winter International Open IBJJF 2022
• Bronze Atlanta Winter International Open IBJJF 2022-OPEN WEIGHT
• Gold Washington D.C. International Open IBJJF No-Gi 2022
• Gold Charlotte International Open IBJJF No-Gi 2022
• Gold WVGO Gi Summer 2023
• Silver WVGO No-Gi Summer 2023
• Bronze Nashville International Open IBJJF Gi 2023
• Silver Atlanta International Open IBJJF Gi 2024