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 experience in functional movement, injury prevention, Olympic lifting, gymnastics, and nutrition coaching.

Candace began coaching at CrossFit Trussville in 2012 and has since built a reputation for her technical precision, encouraging style, and ability to help athletes break through physical and mental barriers. Her background in physical therapy allows her to identify and correct movement inefficiencies, helping members train safely while maximizing performance. She works with athletes of all levels, from beginners returning to fitness to competitive CrossFit athletes refining their skills.

As co-owner, Candace plays a pivotal role in shaping CFT’s community culture — ensuring it’s a welcoming, supportive space where athletes feel empowered to reach their full potential.

Andrew Rape is one of Alabama’s most respected CrossFit coaches and program designers, leading CrossFit Trussville since its founding in 2008. A CrossFit Level 2 Coach, USAW Level 1, and OPEX CCP certified professional, Andrew has trained thousands of athletes across Trussville, Birmingham, and the Southeast. His competitive background includes competing at CrossFit Regionals, serving as a professional athlete for the New York Rhinos (GRID League) from 2015–2017, and coaching Games-level athletes, including a 7th Place Masters 70+ Games competitor.

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 leads with a unique blend of youth athletic development, sports performance coaching, and nutrition expertise. Her athletic background includes years of competitive gymnastics, multiple CrossFit competitions, and leadership in youth sports programs.

Before becoming an owner in 2025, Sophia served as CrossFit Trussville’s General Manager, overseeing daily operations, events, and community engagement. Her nutrition coaching has transformed the health and performance of countless members, from recreational athletes to competitive CrossFitters. Sophia is especially passionate about empowering young athletes, equipping them with the tools to perform their best while building lifelong healthy habits.

As both a coach and owner, Sophia is committed to delivering a holistic approach to fitness 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 coaching since 2020. Known for his ability to scale workouts for any ability level, Gabriel brings creativity and adaptability to every class. His years as a pastor at Gateway Family Church and extensive volunteer work with special needs and at-risk youth give him a unique ability to connect with people and inspire them to grow both physically and mentally. Gabriel thrives on helping members build strength, endurance, and confidence in a supportive, uplifting environment.

Leigh Hanby is a CrossFit Coach and Certified Personal Trainer with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a background as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. A former competitive dancer with over 12 years of performance experience, Leigh combines medical expertise with an athlete’s mindset to deliver safe, effective, and challenging workouts. She actively competes in the CrossFit Open and events like Power Lifting for Autism, demonstrating her commitment to continual growth. Leigh specializes in helping women and new athletes gain strength and confidence while ensuring optimal movement quality.

Bridget Hamilton is a ReBoot Coach and registered radiologic technologist who has been a CrossFit athlete since 2015. As the owner of RCH Management, LLC, Bridget brings a professional, detail-oriented approach to every class she leads. Her sessions are known for being both welcoming and energizing, blending functional movements with a positive, encouraging coaching style. Bridget thrives on helping members find joy in the process of training and build lasting confidence in their abilities.

Christy Tharpe is a ReBoot Coach, former college dance team member, and AFAA Certified Personal Trainer who has been part of CFT since the program’s inception. A seasoned endurance athlete, she has competed in multiple marathons, including the Nashville Full Marathon. Christy’s coaching is energetic, motivating, and highly engaging, with a focus on functional movement patterns that help members feel stronger and more capable in daily life.

Stephanie McIlwain brings an extensive background in gymnastics, tumbling, athletic training, and nursing to her role as a CrossFit Trussville coach. Formerly an RN in trauma, burn, and emergency care, she has a deep understanding of movement safety, injury prevention, and athletic performance. Stephanie uses her combined medical and athletic expertise to help members develop skill, strength, and confidence in a way that supports long-term health.

Brian Bonner is a ReBoot Coach, Captain with Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, and firefighter since 1990. A CrossFit Open competitor and dedicated community advocate, Brian has a passion for helping others build functional strength and endurance — especially fellow first responders. He also participates in charitable fitness events like Barbells for Boobs, combining his love for fitness with a commitment to giving back.

Chris Schmohl is a Battalion Chief with the Trussville Fire Department and a dedicated ReBoot coach with decades of first responder experience. Known for his leadership, resilience, and calm under pressure, Chris focuses on building strength, conditioning, and preparedness for life’s physical challenges. His commitment to his own fitness inspires members to prioritize health and performance at every stage of life.

Adrian Millican is a CrossFit Coach, certified personal trainer, and decorated Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge competitor with multiple first-place finishes. Coaching at CFT since 2015, Adrian is Level Method Foundation certified and specializes in guiding athletes to peak performance through structured progression and technical refinement. His competitive drive and attention to detail make him a highly respected figure in the CFT community.

Steven Sawyer is a CrossFit Level 1 Coach and Safety Director at Brasfield & Gorrie with an Associate’s degree in Applied Science. Competing in the CrossFit Open since 2015, Steven brings both a competitive edge and a safety-first mindset to every class. His coaching ensures that members train hard while maintaining proper form, reducing risk, and maximizing results.

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. Despite arthritis and knee injections, Mike has continued to set personal records and inspire athletes of all ages. His coaching focuses on longevity, functional strength, and maintaining independence through movement, making him a cornerstone of CFT’s Legends program.