Building Community Through Triathlon: How South Bay Squad Brings Inclusivity to the Sport

When Jasmine Moezzi founded South Bay Squad during the pandemic, she had no idea it would grow into an opportunity to build community through triathlon. With over 80 members and partnerships with notable brands like Arena and 2XU, South Bay Squad is not just a triathlon club—it’s an example of inclusivity, bringing new athletes into the sport and fostering connections through training and social events. What started as a small group of triathletes gathering for ocean swims in Redondo Beach has blossomed into a welcoming club that helps athletes of all levels improve their skills and gain confidence. How did Jasmine turn an informal gathering of triathletes into a growing club?

The Pandemic Origins of South Bay Squad

As the world came to a halt during the pandemic, many people found themselves struggling to maintain fitness and community. For Jasmine, a seasoned triathlete living in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, the sudden shutdown was a challenging time. She had no regular training partners, and organized sports were non-existent. “I didn’t really know many athletes in this area to train with,” Jasmine shared. “When the world shut down, I was thinking, ‘What do I do now?'” But when restrictions eased, and the oceans reopened in mid-2020, Jasmine found a glimmer of hope. A group called One With the Ocean resumed their weekly ocean swims at Avenue C in Redondo Beach. Jasmine and a handful of others from that group, many of whom were triathletes, started meeting regularly. This core group of swimmers became the foundation of what would later become South Bay Squad. “I just started planning things—bike rides, runs—and slowly more people began to show up,” Jasmine recalled. “What started with a few people grew into 10, then 15, and eventually, we had enough people that I jokingly made a Facebook group page and called it South Bay Squad.”

From Informal Gatherings to an Official Club

By spring 2021, Jasmine’s informal gatherings had gained enough momentum that members encouraged her to make it official. Together with a few key individuals—like Liz Nguyen, a close friend and training partner—they decided to launch South Bay Squad as a membership-based triathlon club. “We hosted our official launch party at Trilab, a local bike shop, and expected maybe 20 people to show up,” Jasmine said with a laugh. “But we ended up with around 30 or 40 people! From there, the growth was fast. Who knew that I would be building a community through the sport of triathlon?” In its first year, South Bay Squad swelled to 60 members, and Jasmine began reaching out to brands for sponsorship. Partnerships with major athletic companies like Arena and 2XU soon followed, allowing the club to offer exciting perks, like free team uniforms for all members. Today, South Bay Squad boasts approximately 80 members and continues to grow. The club has expanded to include a paid membership model, offering structured workouts, daily in-person training sessions, and social events. With four coaches and a dedicated board, the club is now a well-oiled machine that caters to athletes across the South Bay, Los Angeles, and Orange County regions.

A Welcoming Environment for All Athletes

One of the core values of South Bay Squad is inclusivity. Jasmine and her team work hard to ensure that athletes of all skill levels feel welcome and supported in their triathlon journeys. Whether you’re a seasoned Ironman finisher or a beginner looking to complete your first sprint triathlon, there’s a place for you at South Bay Squad. “We have athletes from all walks of life, and we try to make sure there’s something for everyone,” Jasmine explained. “We offer everything from pool swims and ocean swims to bike rides and run sessions. Plus, we host social events and volunteer activities, so it’s not just about training—it’s about building community.” For many new triathletes, the sport can feel intimidating, especially when they see experienced athletes with expensive gear and years of training under their belts. But South Bay Squad’s welcoming approach removes those barriers. “Triathlon can be intimidating, but we make it accessible,” Jasmine said. “We offer training opportunities for all levels, and we’re always encouraging new members to join, regardless of their experience.”

The Benefits of Paid Membership

While South Bay Squad started as a casual gathering of friends, it has since evolved into a formalized club with a paid membership model. This structure allows the club to offer more organized activities and personalized coaching services. “For the yearly membership, athletes get access to our team app, where we post all of our events and training sessions,” Jasmine explained. “We have at least one in-person session every day, sometimes up to two. For example, on Monday nights, we have a strength session specifically for triathletes, followed by a team pool swim.” In addition to the regular training sessions, members can also access personalized coaching services for an additional fee. This includes tailored training plans, form analysis, and advice on nutrition, strength training, and mindset. “We want to make sure our members are set up for success, whether they’re training for a sprint triathlon or a full Ironman,” Jasmine said.

Building Community Through Social Events

Beyond training, South Bay Squad places a strong emphasis on building community through social events. The club regularly hosts gatherings like beach days, Friendsgiving celebrations, and holiday parties. These events offer members the opportunity to bond outside of training and strengthen the sense of camaraderie that South Bay Squad is known for. “At the beginning of each season, we do a kickoff event where everyone gets their swag bags, we hang out, and we do a raffle,” Jasmine shared. “We also have a holiday party with a white elephant-style raffle and a potluck. It’s really fun and a great way to bring everyone together.” The club is also building community through triathlon by giving back through volunteer work. South Bay Squad partners with Achilles Los Angeles, a nonprofit that helps athletes with disabilities participate in endurance sports. Twice a month, the club volunteers with Achilles, offering support during running events in Santa Monica and Hermosa Beach.

Looking to the Future: Growth and Expansion

As South Bay Squad continues to grow, Jasmine has her sights set on expanding the club’s reach. While most members are based in the South Bay and surrounding areas, the club also offers a global membership option for athletes who don’t live locally but want to participate in virtual training sessions and events. “We have a handful of athletes who live outside the area, but they still want to be part of the community,” Jasmine said. “Our global membership is a great way for them to stay connected and join us for training whenever they’re in town.” Looking ahead, South Bay Squad is focused on continuing to build its community, fostering inclusivity, and helping athletes achieve their triathlon goals. With plans to participate in major races like Wildflower and Santa Cruz 70.3, the future looks bright for this growing club. As Jasmine put it, “South Bay Squad is more than just a triathlon club—it’s a family. We’re here to support each other, both in and out of training, and to show people that triathlon is for everyone.”