Coaching through trust and consistent communication
Fly Tri Racing is a team of certified running and triathlon coaches based in Tyler, Texas, working with athletes all over the country. Different specialties, one shared belief: you deserve a coach who actually knows you.
Founder & Head Coach
Hi, I’m William Ritter.
I started running consistently when I was 12, ran in college, and jumped into triathlon in 2007 as a total novice. Over the years I worked my way up to racing in the elite-amateur division, and I still race today.
I’ve been coaching since 2009, including five years as head cross country and track coach at Cumberland Academy. That’s where I learned the thing that shapes everything at Fly Tri Racing: a training plan is only as good as the relationship behind it.
So I coach hands-on. Every athlete starts with a detailed assessment, and from there we talk regularly, in person or virtually, about training, technique, and everything going on outside the sport. My style is easy-going but straightforward. When things are going well, we keep rolling. When they’re not, I’ll tell you, and we’ll figure it out together.
As Fly Tri Racing grew, I brought on coaches who share that approach, so every athlete gets the same level of care no matter who they work with.
Off the course, I’m a husband and a dad, and my favorite way to recharge is reading, listening to music, and hanging out with my family.
Find a coach you click with
Every coach on our team is certified, experienced, and brings something different. Scan the snapshots, read a few full bios, and when you book your call, let us know who caught your eye.
William Ritter
Founder & Head Coach
Great Fit For: runners and triathletes at every level, from beginner to elite, including athletes looking to qualify for State Championships, Boston, the 70.3 World Championship, or Kona. Also youth and junior athletes and hands-on technique work.
Kevin Green
Senior Running Coach
Great Fit For: marathoners aiming for a major time improvement, especially runners chasing a Boston Qualifier.
DJ Ivie
Senior Running Coach
Great Fit For: 5K to ultra runners plus cross country and track. Great for Boston-qualifying runners and high schoolers chasing a State Championship qualifier.
Brett Klesitz
Associate Coach
Great Fit For: busy athletes balancing training with work and family. Works well with developing beginners, as well as athletes with goals of qualifying for the 70.3 World Championship or Kona.
Devin Johnson
Associate Coach
Great Fit For: athletes returning from injury and long-course triathletes.
Loni Grine
Associate Coach
Great Fit For: beginner and intermediate triathletes, strength, nutrition, and active aging.
Ryan Tully
Associate Running Coach
Great Fit For: new runners, aging athletes, marathoners, and people making major health changes, plus runners with the goal to Boston Qualify.
Fernanda Rodriguez Buendia
Associate Running Coach
Great Fit For: beginners, women, 5K to half marathon, and Spanish-speaking athletes.
Found someone you’d like to train with?
Book a free discovery call with William. Tell him who caught your eye and what you’re training for, and he’ll make sure you’re paired with the right coach. Your coach joins the conversation from there.
“I tried out a couple other teams & coaches before I got to Fly Tri Racing, but they didn’t compare when it came to the personalization of the workouts and the coaches really taking the time to not only get to know me and build relationships.”
Abby R.
How Coaching Works
What you’ll need: running shoes and a GPS watch with heart rate for running; for triathlon, add a bike, pool access, and safe places to ride. An indoor trainer and power meter are a plus.
Book your free discovery call. Tell us about your goals, your schedule, and where you’re at right now. No pressure, no obligation.
Get matched with your coach. We’ll pair you with the coach who fits your sport and your style. You’ll fill out a short athlete questionnaire so they know your background.
Train with a plan built for you. Your workouts land in TrainingPeaks, and your coach adjusts them around real life, using your data and feedback.
Race with confidence. Show up prepared, with a race plan, a coach in your corner, and a team cheering you on.