Candace Rape is a CrossFit Level 2 Coach, licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, and one of the most highly regarded female coaches in Alabama. A former collegiate softball player with a degree from Jefferson State Community College, she brings unmatched expertise in functional movement, pre- and post-partum training, injury prevention, Olympic lifting, gymnastics, and nutrition coaching. Her diverse background allows her to coach with precision, versatility, and a deep understanding of how to help athletes thrive across different stages of life.

Candace began coaching at CrossFit Trussville in 2012 and has since built a reputation for her technical accuracy, motivational style, and ability to help athletes overcome both physical and mental barriers. Her physical therapy experience gives her a unique lens on movement correction and injury recovery, enabling members to train safely while still progressing at a high level. Over the years, she has guided athletes ranging from first-timers learning foundational movements to seasoned competitors preparing for major CrossFit events, consistently helping them reach new milestones.

Beyond coaching, Candace has become a mentor to female athletes and mothers, championing strength, confidence, and resilience through fitness. Her leadership extends into building long-term member relationships, fostering accountability, and ensuring every athlete feels supported on their journey.

As co-owner, Candace is central to shaping the culture of CrossFit Trussville. She is committed to maintaining a results-driven yet welcoming environment where athletes of all ages feel empowered to pursue their goals.

Andrew Rape is one of Alabama’s most respected CrossFit coaches and program designers, leading CrossFit Trussville since its founding in 2008. With a Marketing degree from UAB and over 30+ fitness certifications, including; CrossFit Level 2 Coach, USAW Level 1, and an OPEX CCP certified professional, Andrew has trained thousands of athletes across Trussville, Birmingham, the Southeast, and across the country remotely.

His competitive background includes competing and finishing 13th at the Dirty South CrossFit Regionals in 2012, serving as a professional athlete for the New York Rhinos (GRID League) from 2015–2017 (even competing in the inaugural match on the floor at Madison Square Gardens), competing against Rich Froning at WODAPALOOZA, and coaching the Games-athlete Mike Pender who finished 7th Place at the 2024 Masters 70+ CrossFit Games.

Andrew is known for creating programming that blends science-backed strength and conditioning, mental resilience training, and progressive skill development. He has a proven track record in athlete development, from beginners learning their first lifts to elite competitors preparing for the national stage. His expertise extends beyond the gym into mentorship, strategic goal setting, and business leadership, making him a trusted voice in the Alabama fitness community.

For Andrew, CrossFit Trussville is more than a gym, it’s a platform to help people of all ages become stronger, more capable, and more confident in every aspect of life.

Sophia Contreras is a CrossFit Level 2 Coach, Registered Dietitian (Master’s in progress), and former competitive gymnast who brings a rare blend of youth athletic development, sports performance coaching, and nutrition expertise to CrossFit Trussville. Her athletic background includes years of competitive gymnastics, multiple CrossFit competitions, and leadership in youth sports programs. Sophia is CFT's General Manager, where she oversees all aspects of the business including daily operations, events, social media, and community engagement.

Her nutrition coaching has transformed the health and performance of countless members, from recreational athletes to competitive CrossFitters. Passionate about empowering young athletes, Sophia equips them with the tools to perform at their best while developing lifelong healthy habits. She is committed to delivering a holistic approach that blends training, nutrition, and mindset, making her one of the most versatile and impactful coaches in Alabama.

Lee Contreras is a CrossFit Level 2 Coach and CrossFit Kids Certified Coach known for his high-energy presence on the floor and ability to push athletes  (especially competitors) to perform at their best. He excels at motivating members to dig deeper in workouts while providing the technical cues they need to move efficiently and safely.

Outside of coaching, Lee plays a critical role in supporting the operational backbone of CrossFit Trussville. With his background in civil engineering and hands-on expertise, he handles much of the gym’s building, renovation, and improvement projects, from custom equipment builds to facility upgrades, ensuring members have a top-tier training environment.

Lee’s dedication to the CFT community goes beyond the whiteboard. Whether he’s pushing an athlete to a PR on the competition floor or building something that improves the member experience, he’s committed to making CrossFit Trussville the best place to train in Alabama.

Gabriel Wright is a CrossFit Level 1 Coach and seasoned obstacle course racer who has been part of the CrossFit Trussville family since 2018 and began coaching in 2020. He is known for his creativity,  adaptability, and "challenging" warm-ups, with a gift for scaling workouts to meet any ability level. His coaching style reflects both his athletic background and his passion for helping people grow, making each class both challenging and accessible.

With years of experience as a pastor at Gateway Family Church and extensive volunteer work with special needs and at-risk youth, Gabriel brings a unique ability to connect with people on a deeper level. He thrives on building strength, endurance, and confidence in his athletes while fostering a supportive and uplifting environment. By blending his care for people with his love of fitness, Gabriel inspires members to pursue growth not only physically but also mentally and personally.

Mike Wright is a Legends and ReBoot Coach who proves that strength and resilience have no age limit. At 74, he ranks among the top masters athletes in the world, finishing 32nd in the CrossFit Semifinals for the 70+ division. Mike continues to set personal records and demonstrate what is possible through consistency, grit, and a passion for movement.

As a coach, Mike focuses on longevity, functional strength, and maintaining independence through fitness. His perspective and experience make him a cornerstone of CrossFit Trussville’s Legends program, where he inspires athletes of all ages to prioritize health, stay active, and embrace the belief that it’s never too late to get stronger. By leading through example, Mike embodies the spirit of resilience and motivates others to pursue their best at every stage of life.

Bridget Hamilton is a registered radiologic technologist who has been training at CrossFit Trussville since 2015. As the owner of RCH Management, LLC, she brings a professional, detail-oriented mindset to every class she leads, ensuring members get both an engaging and well-structured experience. Bridget is highly regarded for her welcoming and energizing presence, creating an environment where athletes of all levels feel comfortable and supported.

With a strong emphasis on safety and high standards, Bridget pays close attention to proper movement, technique, and individual needs, helping members train with confidence and longevity in mind. Her coaching blends functional movement with encouragement and accountability, inspiring people to enjoy the process of training while building strength, resilience, and lasting confidence in their abilities.

Christy Tharpe is an AFAA Certified Personal Trainer and former college dance team member who has been part of CrossFit Trussville since ReBoot's inception. A seasoned endurance athlete, she has competed in multiple marathons, including the Nashville Full Marathon, and brings that same drive and discipline into her role as a ReBoot Coach. Her diverse background in athletics and training gives her a unique ability to connect with members and help them build both physical strength and confidence.

Known for her energetic and motivating presence, Christy creates a highly engaging class environment where athletes feel supported and challenged. She emphasizes functional movement patterns that translate directly into daily life, helping athletes of all levels feel stronger, more capable, and more resilient. With her positive energy and commitment to growth, Christy inspires others to embrace the process of training and find joy in becoming the best version of themselves.

Stephanie McIlwain brings an extensive background in gymnastics, tumbling, athletic training, and nursing to her role as a coach. A former RN in trauma, burn, and emergency care, she has a deep understanding of movement safety, injury prevention, and performance under pressure. Her medical and athletic experience give her a unique perspective on coaching, allowing her to prioritize both challenge and care in every session.

Stephanie is passionate about helping members build strength, skill, and confidence in a way that supports long-term health and resilience. Known for her attentive coaching style and high standards, she ensures athletes move well, train safely, and progress consistently. By blending technical knowledge with encouragement, Stephanie empowers members to pursue their goals with confidence while laying the foundation for lasting fitness.

Brian Bonner has served as a firefighter with Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service since 1990, where he currently holds the rank of Captain. With more than three decades of experience as a first responder, Brian embodies discipline, resilience, and service — qualities he carries into his role as a ReBoot Coach. His coaching is rooted in the same principles that have guided his career: consistency, accountability, and a commitment to helping others rise to their potential.

He has a particular passion for supporting fellow first responders, helping them develop the functional strength, endurance, and mental toughness needed both on and off the job. Known for his steady leadership and approachable style, Brian creates an environment where members feel challenged, supported, and confident in their growth. Whether serving in uniform, coaching on the gym floor, or participating in causes close to his heart, Brian leads with integrity and inspires those around him to prioritize health, strength, and community.

Chris Schmohl is a Battalion Chief with the Trussville Fire Department and a dedicated ReBoot Coach with decades of first responder experience. His years of service have forged a leadership style defined by resilience, calm under pressure, and a steady commitment to doing the right thing. Chris is widely respected for his integrity and his ability to lead through example — qualities that resonate both in the firehouse and in the gym.

As a coach, Chris brings a calming presence that puts members at ease while guiding them through challenging workouts. He emphasizes proper movement, safety, and steady progress, helping athletes of all levels build strength, conditioning, and confidence. His approach blends encouragement with accountability, ensuring members push themselves while never losing sight of long-term health and sustainability.

Adrian Millican is a CrossFit Coach, certified personal trainer, and decorated Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge competitor with multiple first-place finishes. Coaching at CrossFit Trussville since 2015, he holds his CF-L1 and Level Method Foundation certifications, bringing both experience and expertise to every class. His background in competition and coaching has equipped him with the ability to push athletes toward their best while keeping training structured, progressive, and purposeful.

Known for his competitive drive and attention to detail, Adrian emphasizes technical refinement and steady progress, helping members build strength, conditioning, and confidence over time. He is highly respected within the community for his consistency, high standards, and ability to bring out the best in those he coaches. Whether on the competition floor or in the gym, Adrian leads with focus and intensity, inspiring athletes to pursue excellence at every stage of their fitness journey.

Steven Sawyer is a CrossFit Level 1 Coach and the Safety Director at Brasfield & Gorrie, where he applies his expertise in workplace safety and leadership daily. With an Associate’s degree in Applied Science and years of competitive CrossFit experience dating back to the 2015 Open, Steven brings both knowledge and passion to the gym. His professional background equips him with a safety-first mindset, ensuring every class is structured with proper mechanics, discipline, and attention to detail.

As a coach, Steven blends his competitive edge with a calm, supportive presence that motivates athletes to train hard while staying focused on long-term health and performance. He is known for his clear communication, commitment to proper form, and ability to help members maximize results without sacrificing safety. By leading through example, Steven inspires confidence in his athletes and demonstrates that consistency, resilience, and integrity are the keys to lasting progress.

Mike Wright is a Legends and ReBoot Coach who proves that strength and resilience have no age limit. At 74, he ranks among the top masters athletes in the world, finishing 32nd in the CrossFit Semifinals for the 70+ division. Mike continues to set personal records and demonstrate what is possible through consistency, grit, and a passion for movement.

As a coach, Mike focuses on longevity, functional strength, and maintaining independence through fitness. His perspective and experience make him a cornerstone of CrossFit Trussville’s Legends program, where he inspires athletes of all ages to prioritize health, stay active, and embrace the belief that it’s never too late to get stronger. By leading through example, Mike embodies the spirit of resilience and motivates others to pursue their best at every stage of life.