Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Kelow
Hi Andrew, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m originally from Kansas City, MO, and I’ve always been an active person. Growing up, I played basketball as my main sport and dabbled in baseball. On the basketball court, I primarily played as a guard but spent some time on the wing. In baseball, I played shortstop. Basketball was my passion and a big part of my life until my junior year of high school when I decided to step away, largely due to my experience with the coaching at the time.
In my senior year, I shifted to football, where I played defensive end and occasionally tight end. That transition led me to college football, where I played tight end for two seasons at the University of Kansas and two more at Central Oklahoma. During that time, I earned my degree in business.
Playing at both schools was a transformative experience. It taught me that coaching matters at every level—it sets the foundation for growth and success, not just in sports but in life. The higher you go, the more impactful great coaching becomes. I’ve come to see coaching as something that goes far beyond sports—it applies to many areas of life, whether it’s guiding someone in personal development, career growth, health and fitness, or building better habits for everyday living.
At its core, coaching is about serving others, helping them discover their purpose, and becoming the best version of themselves. I believe we’re all called to pour into others selflessly, and that philosophy has shaped who I am today.
It’s also what brought me to Austin, TX, where I’m now a coach at Kollective Gym. Being part of this incredible community has been a rewarding experience. I’m surrounded by talented, inspiring people every day, and I have the chance to learn from some of the best minds in the field. It’s a privilege to be in an environment where I can grow, contribute, and help others reach their potential.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, to say the least. When I first moved to Austin, I wasn’t sure what direction I wanted to take. Initially, I thought I wanted a traditional salary job, but I realized I needed to take a step back and evaluate what I truly wanted for myself. To gain clarity, I made a pros and cons list for my career options and sought advice from a few trusted people. I wanted insights that would help me both in the short term and over the long term. After careful consideration, I made the decision to pursue coaching—and it turned out to be absolutely the right call.
That said, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting a business from scratch, especially in coaching, is no small feat. Building a client base takes time, and the business side of coaching is a slow build. Of course, it would be nice if clients came flooding in right away, but I’ve learned that it’s more important to attract the right clients. Who you work with matters—there has to be a mutual fit. Not every client is for you, and you’re not the right fit for everyone, either.
While it’s tough at times, this process has given me invaluable real-world experience. I’m learning how to build and scale a business organically, which is a unique opportunity with a lot of potential for growth. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a strength and performance coach at the Kollective in Austin, TX, with certifications in both general and speed training. My expertise lies in power, strength, plyometrics, mobility, and stability-based movements. If you step into a session with me, these are the core elements you can expect—it’s what I’m known for.
On a personal note, I’m also known for being a die-hard Chiefs fan!
What sets me apart? First, my programming is anything but ordinary. I blend elements of strength, cardio, and plyometrics into a seamless flow that keeps clients engaged and constantly progressing. Beyond that, I’m all about the details—whether it’s dialing in technique, tailoring a program to individual needs, or finding creative ways to make workouts challenging yet rewarding.
What I’m most proud of, however, is seeing my clients grow. It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and I’m deeply grateful for the trust they place in me to guide them on their journey.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I played sports year-round, keeping myself busy and always striving to improve. My personality was energetic, ambitious, determined, and curious. I was deeply interested in sports, fitness, food, music, and video games like NCAA Football, Madden, and 2K. Reflecting on it, I was probably a bit of a perfectionist even as a kid—driven, goal-oriented, and always eager to learn. I had a strong appreciation for competition and strategy, whether it was on the field or in a game, and I was constantly working toward being my best.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelow.amorfati/
Image Credits
Michael Wolf Soriano is responsible for the solo picture of me.
Other photos – Andrew Kelow
