Clay has over 10 years of experience in competitive CrossFit and powerlifting as both an athlete and a coach. He recently graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with his Doctorate in physical therapy, where he served as the president of his class. He obtained an exercise science degree from Auburn in 2020.

While at Auburn, Clay discovered his love for powerlifting and took the first Auburn powerlifting team to collegiate nationals in 2019. Powerlifting was not the only thing Clay fell in love with at Auburn. It is also where he met his wife, Lindsay! The two of them applied to PT school together and got married during their first year at UAB. They welcomed their first child in January of 2024.