Equipped with a bachelors in Exercise Science, I set out on a quest to discover what fitness really meant and how I could bring it to others. In 2007, I was introduced to CrossFit by a mentor of mine.  Since then, I have traveled the world and lived abroad, gaining my CrossFit certification as a Level 3 coach and even participating in the Latin American regionals and CrossFit Games in 2012.

Now stateside, along with my amazing wife, Tarrah (an accomplished athlete herself), our two sons, Branson (4 yrs) and Nolen (2 yrs), and ‘man’s best friend’, Tugger (our gym dog), we have fulfilled a common goal: To build a space to teach CrossFit fundamentals, create an environment of community fellowship, and practice healthy living and wellness through mind, body & spirit.

Accomplishments:

• Former Division 1 collegiate football player: Four time letter winner and 2 year starter on Sacred Heart University’s Division 1 FCS football team
• Games Competitor, Team CrossFit 7 Mile, 2012 Latin American Regional Champions
• Games Competitor, Team CrossFit 7 Mile, 2012 CrossFit Games
• Completed the 2010 Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon (1.5 mi swim/7 mi run)
• Completed over 10 Sprint/Olympic Triathlons
• Current lululemon brand ambassador

Born and raised in the city of Dana Point, I grew up playing a lot of sports including high school basketball and softball. I was given the amazing opportunity to follow my passion and play college softball. When my career ended, I began the search for something to fill the void softball had left. I tried running, hot yoga and body building programs but never could find something I felt comfortable doing or that I REALLY enjoyed; it was all so monotonous! I gave CrossFit a shot and fell in LOVE with the community at CFDP. Everyday the workouts, coaches, and fellow athletes challenge me to improve myself; body, mind and soul. Now, my passion is to walk along the side of others and strengthen them in their journey towards a healthier lifestyle through their workouts and nutrition. My hope is to help others experience the same amount of physical and personal growth through which my own life has been changed.

I first want to start off by saying “THANK YOU CROSSFIT!!!!” for helping me find myself again.

Back in June of 2013 I was looking for something that was going to help me find that inner athlete that I once knew (I played collegiate level softball back in the day). I knew she was somewhere inside this person/body that was so unfamiliar to me. This heavy me was NOT ME. I felt trapped, and I needed to find a way out. At one point, while I was at my heaviest, I had a moment when I said to myself: when were you in the best shape of your life? What were you doing then?

 I came to the conclusion that it was when I was playing softball in high school, when I had my friends and fellow teammates around me working hard, and having fun doing it, and when it’s fun, it doesn’t feel like work. I worked harder and I pushed myself further when I worked in a team environment with a coach shouting over my shoulder encouraging me. So when my sister (Mindy) told me about CrossFit, I heard the words “compete”, “coaches”, “challenge”, “encouraging” and I was SOLD. 

Once I found CrossFit, and I found myself again, I thought: This is the best feeling ever! Naturally, like most people, when you discover something great, or when you’re eyes have been opened to see the world and yourself differently (in a healthy positive way), you want to share that with others. I knew almost instantly that I would someday become a CrossFit coach myself so that I can help/guide/coach others in finding their inner athletes as I did.

Now, as a new mother I am extra determined to continue living this happy, healthy, fit, and motivating lifestyle. I want to be a good role model for my little girl to look up to, and I want to be as active in her life for as long as I possibly can. THAT is why I do what I do!

Accomplishments:

Member of the Glendale Community College Softball Team, Glendale, AZ 2001-2002

The birth of my daughter, Catalyna! April 15th, 2017

I was born in Virginia Beach, VA, moved to Baltimore as a baby, and moved out to sunny SoCal in 1992. I grew up on the softball field. Moving to California meant we could play year round! During my 14 years of fast-pitch softball I traveled to many states, internationally, and hosted tournaments where we played teams from all over the world. After a couple injuries and some time off, it was time to find new ways to exercise.

Around 2010, I starting working out with a trainer who did CrossFit style workouts at her home gym. This allowed me to learn a lot of the movements and terminology before I ever stepped foot into a CrossFit gym. Eager to learn new things and push myself harder, a mutual friend brought me to CFDP for a Saturday partner WOD in 2016. I’ve been a member ever since. After 3.5 years at CFDP, coaching just happened organically for me.

When I’m not sweating alongside all the athletes at CFDP, you can probably find me either on the golf course or the softball field. I play slow pitch softball two nights a week, and I picked up golf about a year ago. I’m looking forward to growing and pushing myself both as an athlete and a coach.

Accomplishments:

Winner of a dance-off with a stranger in Vegas to “Thriller”

Shot a 95 in golf (I’ve only been playing a year!)

You’ll most likely meet Tugger before anyone else.  He may bark to greet you, but Tugger is known as one of the coolest and most well-behaved dogs by our members. Both child and adult friendly, Tugger may want to play ball, tug-of-war, or just say hey!