Find Your Peak Sports

Simplifying leadership so it’s do-able…and open to everyone!

Every leader follows THEIR OWN path

You have a unique style of leading based on your own experiences in the world.

EFFECTIVE leaders adapt to change & Uncertainty

Navigate challenges while staying anchored to your vision and aligned with your values.

Leadership is…

  • A role that you play

    You don’t have to have a title to be a leader. Teams are more effective when each individual plays an active leadership role - whether you are actively following, leading your peers or leading yourself.

  • A Skillset you can develop

    There are specific leadership skills everyone can learn, practice and improve on to become a more effective leader. The most successful leaders maintain a growth mindset and are open to continually learning and growing from each situation and experience.

  • A style that's unique to you

    Not everyone will lead the same way. We need leaders who are willing to move past old leadership models that are limited to one stereotypical style. Successful leaders adapt their style to a dynamic environment so they can connect and work with a diverse groups of people with different beliefs, values and backgrounds.

Learn more about 8 Essential elements of leadership

Meet Erica (She/HerS)

I'm Erica Quam, owner and founder of Find Your Peak Sports. My focus is on helping you become the leader you’re meant to be - in all areas of your life.

My approach to working with coaches, athletes and teams is unique... because I've been there myself.

I’m coach, a facilitator and a teacher. I see leadership as a language. And once you know it, you can’t un-know it. Once you see it, you can’t un-see it.

I help simplify leadership into something that’s do-able, teach-able and learn-able. I constantly refine the curriculum I teach so it’s more relatable, memorable and applicable…because there’s not much value in theory if you can’t actually put it into practice!

My intention is to meet you where you are, listen to your goals and challenges and come up with a plan to help you move forward…with total support.

  • A little background…

    I started my coaching business in 2011 after a 15-year career in collegiate athletics.

    I was two-time team captain of the Women's Swim Team at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. I spent five years as the assistant women's coach at Southern Methodist University with the legendary Steve Collins.

    From there, I made the move out to the west coast - where I'd always dreamed of living.

    I spent nine seasons as the Head Women's Swimming coach at Washington State University in Pullman, WA. I enjoyed the challenge of coaching in the Pac-12 conference.

    Over my career I worked with Olympic medalists, NCAA All-Americans, and guided close to 200 young men and women along their collegiate athletic careers - in the sport of swimming.

  • Many people don’t know…

    After my five years as assistant coach at SMU, I almost walked away from coaching. I was burned out, overwhelmed, and wanted to drop out. (I was about to move to Alaska…to play outside for a few years…and figure out my next path.)

    I was encouraged to apply for the Head Coaching position at Washington State University.

    At first, I burst into tears. I wanted a break! Then, I started to dream.

    I considered the possibilities of stepping into a new leadership role and be able to apply my knowledge, skills and experiences to build a team.

    It got me super excited…and scared the heck out of me all at the same time! So, I knew it was the right next step.

  • I geek out on leadership.

    I’ve always loved the outdoors. So, during the summer of 2004, I went on an 18-day backpacking trip up to the Yukon Territory with the National Outdoor Leadership School (N.O.L.S.). I became a certified Wilderness First Responder in 2006. I took a 30-day instructor course in the Wind River Wilderness of Wyoming to become a backpacking instructor for NOLS in 2008.

    During the summer, I led backpacking trips in the Teton Valley and Pacific Northwest from 2009 - 2016 while educating students in leadership theory and practice, environmental studies and technical outdoor skills in remote wilderness settings on multi-week expeditions. I worked with 14-15 year old adventure students, aspiring trip leaders, and the U.S. Naval Academy.Now, I apply what I’ve learned through N.O.L.S. to sports.

    I work with coaches to help them develop and foster a positive learning environment and inclusive team culture for your teams that emphasize self-awareness, equity and inclusion, engagement, authenticity and a growth mindset.

  • I customize leadership programs and provide coaching and consulting for coaches, athletes and teams.

    Here are a few different ways I can help:

    • One-on-one coaching for new head coaches…have a coach on your sidelines, cheering you on

    • Transformational leadership education for coaches and athletes

    • Virtual or in-person workshops for teams, team captains or SAAC leaders

    I’d love to hear more about your goals and find out what challenges you’re facing.

    If you’re curious, let’s schedule time to chat to see how I could help.

  • I love what I do.

    My wife, Kerry and I live in Bellingham, Washington. We opened the Prime Sports Institute together in 2018.

    We're active members of this special community. We work hard so we can play hard - in the mountains, on the trails, and in the waters of the beautiful pacific northwest.

  • I work one-on-one with athletic administrators, coaches and athletes who have a growth mindset and understand that effective leadership starts with them.

  • I don't work with people who aren’t willing to look at themselves, first. I don't work with chronic complainers who regularly blame and criticize others or people looking for a 'quick fix'.