Creator of LarkSpell

A proud native of Pittsburgh, PA, I grew up in a blue-collar town saturated in tradition, food, family, and grit. I was a Division I athlete at The University of Pittsburgh, graduating 8th in my class with a Civil & Environmental Engineering degree, specializing in Construction Management. Although I moved to North Carolina, the bond with my roots remains stalwart. As my father would tell me, I was born with coal dust in my hair… an expression that endearingly rings true, hailing from Steel City. After working 7 years as a Project Engineer and Assistant Project Manager in Pittsburgh and Raleigh, a different calling whispered to me.

In tandem with my full-time career as an Engineer, I coached, choreographed, and performed professionally and semi-professionally for the ABA and NAFL, respectively. I was indeed sharpening my skills for what was to come... 15 high-octane years with Duke University Athletics, where I served as a Strength & Conditioning Coach for Wrestling, Men’s & Women’s Tennis, Track & Field, Men’s & Women’s Fencing, Cheerleading & Dance, and assisted with Men’s & Women’s Basketball. Beyond this role with brilliant athletes, for whom I have much reverence, my cornerstone and signature charge came as the Head Coach of Cheerleading & Dance, where I was graced to have shared paths with some of the most astonishing minds, spirits, and talents. Throughout my tenure, an added highlight was to be called Coach by the lovable, ever-witty Blue Devil himself.

After bidding a beautiful farewell to an extraordinary career overflowing with extraordinary people and moments, I relocated to Franklin, TN, continuing on as the Head Coach of the Tennessee Titans Cheerleaders. It was an exhilarating close to my coaching story, as I now venture out with you on my new calling. I embrace you with intense gratitude for being my motivation to start anew.

Respectfully and Warmly,

Coach Alayne Rusnak

NSCA-CPT, CSCS

National Strength & Conditioning Association 

Certified Trainer, Strength & Conditioning Specialist

B.S. Civil & Environmental Engineering 

Construction Management, EIT