Our Mission

Owner & CrossFit Coach

I found CrossFit in 2011 after a few years of competing in strongman and powerlifting.  I was looking for a new way to train that felt more beneficial to my overall health and well-being. I joined a CrossFit Affiliate in late 2012 and began coaching in early 2013. 

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Since then with a foundation of the CrossFit methodology I have found my way into so many other fitness endeavors.  Completing an Ironman triathlon, several Spartan races, trail running, grappling, and even a physique (bodybuilding) competition.

The value of CrossFit to every aspect of my life has been immeasurable.  Possibly the best part about it has been doing it side by side with my wife and having our kids involved as well.  CrossFit has been truly life-changing for all of us.

Owner & Nutrition Coach

Wife to David, mom to Noella, Natalie, JJ, and 2 fur babies too! I grew up in the sport of swimming and was a D1 scholarship athlete. Post college, I was a middle school math teacher, but longed for setting fitness goals and working towards them. I taught group fitness (kick boxing and spin) for years. I competed in triathlons, ran multiple races including 2 marathons, and even dabbled in some obstacle course racing.

Nothing compared to CrossFit. My first class was nearly a full year after our second daughter, Nat arrived. It was perfect timing for me. I had lost myself a little while being home with 2 littles. I loved getting stronger, growing my confidence in the sport, and learning how to fuel my body better. During that time my passion for all things nutrition and wellness turned into a new career. I left public school education and I have spent the last 11+ years dedicated to helping people become better versions of themselves by making simple nutritional swaps that compound over time for themselves and their families. 

CrossFit & Endurance Coach

I have been Coaching for CFK since September 2021. Before CFK I worked as a Personal Trainer for 5 years. I am avid Runner & Obstacle Course Race! CrossFit Knoxville provided me with community and friends upon moving from Florida. I have been able to grow as a coach and athlete here at CFK.

While coaching my goal is to make the experience fun and help athletes grow / progress within our community! coach CrossFit as well as specializing in Endurance Training / Strength & Conditioning for athletes. I take great joy in helping athletes improve their running technique or developing skills to help them in their given sport. When I am not at the Gym I spend my time with my wife, daughter, and 2 dogs!

CrossFit Coach

My to fitness began in 2018 when I caught the CrossFit bug while attending the University of South Florida in my home state. CrossFit quickly forged a path to a passion for Olympic Weightlifting and the love of complex and technical lifts. Soon after, I pursued coaching in 2019, earning a USAW Level 1 Certification, followed shortly by Crossfit L1 and USAW L2 certifications in 2020 and 2021.

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I found myself in Knoxville when I decided to attend UT for a Masters Degree in Sport Psychology. Ironically, I was able to put the degree to work personally after injuring my elbow at the USAW American Open Finals in 2021. I have worked my way back to putting up personal bests and continues to compete in Weightlifting.

Outside of coaching, I spend my time enjoying the newlywed life with my incredibly supportive husband Cameron, alongside our three dogs.

CrossFit Coach & Admin

Allyse was first introduced to CrossFit in 2013 and fell in love with it. She has been part of gyms in GA, OH, and now TN. She didn't make fitness a career until she turned 30 and chose to follow her passions. Allyse's passion is helping our members and her clients believe in themselves. She believes fitness not only improves physical health but mental health as well and loves seeing people progress on both fronts. She will be your biggest cheerleader and always try to help you if she can! 

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When she is not in the gym coaching or training you will find her spending time with her fiancee Louis, her 2 cats and 2 dogs at home!

Weightlifting Coach

I brings over to 10 years of weightlifting experience to CrossFit Knoxville’s coaching staff. Starting with CrossFit, I realized with time that weightlifting was where my strengths lie. I played a wide variety of sports growing up, but once realizing my love for Olympic Weightlifting in 2011, I have not looked back.

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I am passionate for my family and friends, and loves to try new things “I’m not afraid to get out there and put myself in unfamiliar situations,”. This propensity for new challenges encourages a love for working with people. “I tend to be overly friendly, and enjoy meeting new people. I love to talk about anything that others are passionate about.”

Foundations Coach

I have been doing CrossFit for over 10 years, and found his passion for the sport after realizing I loved helping people through their health and fitness journey. With a 15 year rugby career behind me, I pride myself in being proactive about health and fitness.

When asked what my specialty within CrossFit is, I quotes Greg Glassman, the creator of CrossFit: “Nature will punish the specialist, I want to be a jack-of-all-trades and master of none. Specialization is for insects. I’m looking for breadth of experience, and anyone who is at all wise realizes that being a specialist represents a compromised position.”

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While I may spend a lot of time at CrossFit Knoxville, I am also a scientist, holding a PhD in Polymer Science and Engineering as well as an MBA.

KidFit Coach

I have been doing CrossFit for less than a year and have found a serious passion. It has become a thing I cannot live without and would not want it any other way. I fell in love with the community aspect. There is something special about working hard together doing the same workout and then laughing afterward about how challenging it was. There is also something special about working out next to a 16 year old and a person in their 70’s simultaneously. CrossFit isn’t for everyone but it is for anybody! I love how quickly people offer to help coach people and give pointers. I am very passionate about encouraging others to achieve their goals. I have a background in tennis and have continued to coach all levels. When I am not coaching KidFit or giving tennis lessons, I am outside in a body of water or skiing. I will be graduating from The University of Tennessee this upcoming May in Kinesiology with a minor in Business Management.

Coach in Training

My favorite place to be is CFK! I love seeing  all my friends, telling jokes, and enjoying some cold FitAid!!!