College attended/Degree/Military Service and what you do now

I attended undergrad at FIU and then went on to law school and graduated in 2014. I worked in different law firms and then prior to the pandemic I moved to Tampa where I’ve been running a tech company ever since. 

Your athletic background (did you play competitive sports, college sports

I’ve been heavily involved in martial arts from a young age. Even though its an individual sport it has a strong sense of community and camaraderie. It’s probably why I enjoy CrossFit. I got my blackbelt at 15 and had a fun competitive run where I had 12 Florida State Titles, 3 National Titles, a Collegiate Title, and was part of Team USA from 2015-2016. 

How did you find CrossFit?

In the fall of 2022, I was struggling to lose weight. I wasn’t exercising regularly and was looking to make a change. My brother had been doing CrossFit since 2018 and told me to try a class. I looked for boxes in my area and found CrossFit BNI. Best decision ever. The community, the coaching, and the overall positivity not only motivated me to lose weight and get in better shape, but it also pushed me to go get certified as a coach. Now I want to pass on that feeling to others.

Favorite CrossFit move (could be Oly lift, other lift, cardio move, even burpees - if you really love them!)

Pull-ups, front squats, and technically, anything with rowing. I hated that machine when I started but it grew on me!

CrossFit athlete you would most like to WOD with (and for what reason)

Probably Matt Fraser. Not just because he’s a decorated champion in CrossFit but for the insights someone at his level could provide. I recently read his book Hard Work Pays Off. Basically, it emphasized that CrossFit isn’t just about fitness and nutrition, but about mental toughness. I think how we speak to ourselves (during an incredibly tough WOD or life in general) dictates our outcomes. Words like “I can do this” go a long way.