Brooke McNicholas wears many titles: mom, wife, coach, athlete and veteran. But her latest pursuit adds another: contestant in the Ms. Health & Fitness competition.
The national contest, Ms. Health & Fitness, features fitness professionals, athletes and influencers competing for a chance to appear on the cover of a fitness magazine and win a $20,000 grand prize. For McNicholas, the competition is about far more than a title.
“Strength changes lives, and I live that mission,” she said.
Journey from military to athletics
McNicholas, originally from Northwest Indiana, now calls Clarksville home due to her husband’s military service. A 13-year veteran, she has served as an officer in both the Military Police and Civil Affairs branches through the National Guard and Army Reserves. She is also an active-duty Special Operations spouse, balancing family life with entrepreneurship and community leadership.
Her journey into health and performance began long before her military career. As a multi-sport athlete, McNicholas learned discipline, teamwork and the value of structured training. Those early lessons deepened during her Army service, where resilience, leadership and perseverance became foundational traits.
Over time, she discovered what she describes as a deeper calling in health, fitness and human performance. That calling led her to pursue formal education and credentials in strength and conditioning and nutrition, with a specialization in Olympic weightlifting and long-term athlete development.
Arc Strength & Conditioning
Today, Brooke owns a strength and conditioning business and USA Weightlifting Club here in Clarksville operated out of CrossFit Blue Light off Exit 8. They have welcomed her into their house since the beginning and share common visions for bettering our community. Her coaching model emphasizes evidence-based training, durability, confidence and holistic development, aiming to bridge the gap between general health and high-level performance.
She has built a performance-driven system designed to develop capable, confident athletes from childhood through competitive levels. Her work centers not only on physical strength, but on cultivating resilience and character.
“I believe strength is more than physical,” McNicholas said. “It builds confidence, resilience and the foundation for a better life.”
If she wins the $20,000 prize through Ms. Health & Fitness, McNicholas plans to invest the funds in equipment or club fees and membership for kids seeking to compete in weightlifting. The goal is to expand access to structured, high-quality strength and conditioning programs for youth athletes and families throughout the community.
Community members can support McNicholas by voting online at:
https://mshealthandfit.com/2026/brooke-mcnicholas