Adaptive Athlete Development
Empowering Every Athlete. Unlocking Every Possibility.
PacWest’s Adaptive Athlete Development Program provides personalized endurance coaching for youth and adults with physical disabilities who are pursuing healthier lifestyles, personal goals, competitive racing, or the Paralympic pathway. Every athlete’s journey is unique, and our coaching is built around the individual athlete – their goals, strengths, needs and potential.
Coaching without limits
At PacWest, we believe ability should never define opportunity.
For more than 16 years, we’ve had the privilege of coaching adaptive athletes ranging from first-time participants to Paralympians. Every athlete brings unique strengths, experiences, and goals, which is why every coaching program is personalized to support individual needs while creating opportunities for growth, confidence, and success.
Whether your goal is completing your first 5K, learning to swim, racing a triathlon, or representing your country, we’re here to help you discover what’s possible.
Why Athletes Choose PacWest
Individualized Coaching
Every training program is tailored around the athlete’s abilities, goals, equipment, and lifestyle.
Experienced Adaptive Coaching
More than 16 years coaching adaptive endurance athletes across swimming, cycling, running, and triathlon.
Performance & Confidence
Develop fitness, confidence, and athletic performance while building independence through sport.
Community & Belonging
Train in an environment where every athlete is welcomed, respected, and encouraged to thrive.
Who We Coach
Youth Athletes
Helping young athletes build confidence, movement skills, and lifelong participation in endurance sport.
Adult Athletes
Supporting athletes pursuing fitness, recreation, competition, or personal achievement.
Paralympic Pathway
Guiding athletes with national and international competitive aspirations through long-term development and performance coaching.
Sports We Support
Swimming
Cycling
Running
Triathlon
Strength & Mobility
Every program is built around the athlete’s individual goals and abilities while emphasizing long-term development, healthy movement, and confidence.
Every Journey Is Different
Success looks different for every athlete. For some, it’s crossing a first finish line. For others, it’s qualifying for a national championship or earning a place on the Paralympic pathway.
No matter where your journey begins, our role remains the same—to provide expert coaching, meaningful experiences, and a supportive community that empowers you to reach your full potential.
Our Experience in Adaptive Endurance Sport
For more than 16 years, Coach Jay and PacWest have had the privilege of working alongside adaptive athletes pursuing goals ranging from their first endurance event to the international stage. Two athletes in particular represent the depth of that experience—and the lasting relationships that can grow through sport.
Mohamed Lahna
From PacWest Athlete to Paralympic Medalist
Mohamed Lahna is a two-time Paralympic medalist whose endurance journey has taken him from his childhood in Casablanca, Morocco, to the world’s biggest stages. Mohamed was a member of Team PacWest during his development as an elite paratriathlete, working with Coach Jay as he pursued increasingly ambitious goals in multisport.
Mohamed represented Morocco at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, earning a bronze medal in paratriathlon. After becoming a U.S. citizen in 2018, he went on to represent the United States at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, where he earned a silver medal. Could the 2028 Los Angeles Games be on the horizon for Mohamed?
Alan Shanken
Athlete. Advocate. Community Leader.
Alan Shanken is a longtime adaptive athlete, triathlete, cyclist, and advocate who has been deeply involved with the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) since 2006. A congenital below-the-knee amputee, Alan has experienced firsthand the transformative power of sport and has dedicated much of his life to helping create opportunities for other athletes with physical disabilities.
Alan has been part of the PacWest community and has worked with Coach Jay as an endurance athlete, while continuing to play a significant role in the growth of adaptive sport throughout Northern California. He currently serves on the CAF Board of Directors and remains active in CAF programming and advocacy.
See other great episodes of the Endurance Life 360 podcast hosted by PacWest Head Coach Jay Ridgeway.
Our Coaching Philosophy
We coach the athlete—not the disability.
PacWest was built for athletes of all abilities, and this program reflects our commitment to meeting every athlete where they are.
Every athlete has unique strengths, challenges, and goals.
Rather than making assumptions based on a diagnosis or physical difference, we begin by understanding the individual. From there, we build a personalized coaching plan that focuses on potential, not limitations.
Coaching Includes
Personalized Coaching
Individual Training Plan
Coach Communication
Race Planning
Performance Analysis
TrainingPeaks
Equipment Guidance
Goal Setting
Coaching Investment
Adaptive Athlete Development
$200/month – Youth Development
$300/month – Adult Coaching
$400/month – Paralympic Youth
Every athlete begins with a consultation so we can better understand your goals, experience, equipment, and support needs before building a personalized coaching plan.
Every Athlete Has a Place Here
Whether you’re discovering endurance sport for the first time or pursuing Paralympic competition, PacWest is committed to helping you move forward with confidence, purpose, and community.