Meet Abby Gustaitis | Olympian & Pilates Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abby Gustaitis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
In 2015, I was in the middle of my journey to medical school. I was already halfway through the application phase when I was offered the opportunity to uproot my life in Maryland and play rugby for the National Team in San Diego, CA making $300 a month. I had been planning to be a doctor for as long as I could remember, yet this opportunity seemed like once in a lifetime. I chose to put off medical school and pursue a different dream of being a professional athlete. My mother and many others doubted this path and questioned my choices; however, when I finally stepped onto the Olympic field in Tokyo, Japan, I knew I had made the right decision. I even knew back in 2016 when I was cut from the Olympic team that I was in the right place. I am now stronger for it and have zero regrets about my path.

What should our readers know about your business?
I captained the Olympic Women’s Rugby Team last summer in Tokyo, Japan. I spent the last decade of my life committed to this sport and team. I did everything in my power to be the very best athlete, teammate and rugby player. My career was ended for me by a new coach and I was forced into retirement from sport. This proffered a ton of challenges. The heartbreak, sadness, anger and loneliness were just part of the rollercoaster of emotions. I quickly had to transition into another means of making money, occupying my time and finding a new passion. I became a certified pilates instructor during COVID and began teaching full time. I also entered into the broadcast role as a sideline reporter and commentator for rugby. Since being cut from the team, I have found so many new avenues that I never knew existed. I am still dealing with the repercussions of leaving the sport I love but I am on the journey. I fell in love with rugby and plan to remain in the sport for the rest of my life including media, coaching and maybe even a bit of playing still at a lower level. My pilates business is starting to take off in Encinitas. And I found a new passion for broadcast, presenting and commentary. I love the adrenaline rush I get of being live and having to be at my very best, just like in sport. I enjoy being challenged in new ways and I am not 100% sure the exact path for me at this time but I am open to new possibilities. I have learned a lot from my experiences as an athlete and I am grateful to turn adversity into opportunity. There will always be obstacles- will you let them shut you down or will you leap over them and soar to new heights?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this city!! I would explore it all!

On a Saturday morning, I’d start with a coffee from Bird Rock Coffee Roasters and then explore Little Italy Farmer’s Market. I’d have to stop for a kefir soda from Superfood & Company of course! Check out Balboa Park for a great walk and they usually have plenty of events going on. If you are staying downtown, Gaslamp has all the bars and one of my favorite Mexican spots- La Puerta which has the best spicy margaritas. Fancier option is Coasterra which has breathtaking views of the city and is on Harbor Island.

On Sunday, I would head to Waverly in Cardiff for brunch and end it with an espresso martini- one of the best I’ve had! If you are looking for a more chill, laid back spot for breakfast or lunch, head to Nectarine Grove and grab the farmer’s market scramble. Then it’s off to the beach and walk along or rent some beach cruisers. Check out the 101 and Encinitas. Super cute town. Grab a coffee from Queenstage on your way out. And the farmers market in Leucadia is just north! Finish the night at Modern Times Brewery for a beer- it’s all local! And the food is all plant-based and delicious.

Hang out in PB for the day and try Second Nature- so many healthy and tasty food items. They serve a great breakfast, lunch or dinner! Tourmaline surf park if you fancy hopping on your board or just walking along the beach. Ocean beach is just down the way where I go for my kombucha fix- TapShack. It is all locally made and on draft! Cesarina is in OB and the best Italian place in my opinion. Pasta is all made by hand and lots of vegan options. Finish off the day at Sunset Cliffs.

Food- Don’t forget to check out Northside Shack for acai bowls, Bahn Thai for thai food, Salt and Straw or La Jolla Scoops for ice cream, Poke Chop for poke, Maya’s Cookies for vegan cookies and soft serve… can you tell I’m plant-based??

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout my Goddaughter Preslee and niece Layla. They have been providing me with inspiration and motivation since 2013. I didn’t have any female idols or true mentors growing up other than my mother and I wanted that to change for the next generation. I need these young women to know that they can do anything they want to. They get to write their own path regardless of what others think or decide. Preslee and Layla have inspired me to follow my dreams because I can’t say one thing and then act another. I have to give it my all in everything I do. I want these young girls to go after what they want regardless if it is academics, art, music or sport, etc. In the darkest moments of sport, career and life, I think of these young girls and want to be my very best for them so they deserve this shoutout along with this next generation of young women.