Our Coaches

With a background in collegiate softball and a degree from Jefferson State Community College, Candace brings extensive experience to CrossFit Trussville. A licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and CrossFit Level-2 Trainer, Nutrition, Weightlifting, and Gymnastics, she has been coaching since 2012. Co-owner of CFT, she excels in a positive approach to her clients sccess.

With a Marketing degree from UAB and a robust competitive background as a Regionals athlete, professional athlete with the New York Rhinos from 2015-2017, and coaching 7th Place CrossFit Games 70+ Masters Athlete, Mike Pender, Andrew brings strategic expertise to CFT. Certified as a CrossFit Level-2 Trainer, USAW L-1, OPEX CCP, among others, he has been coaching since 2008. He excels in program design and athlete development. Outside CFT, he enjoys mentoring, working with his hands, and entrepreneurial pursuits.

With a degree from UAB and currently pursuing a Master’s as a Registered Dietitian, Sophia is the General Manager at CFT. She has extensive experience as a former gymnast and in CrossFit, event operations, and social media management. Certified as a CF L2 Trainer, she excels in youth training and sports performance. Sophia’s diverse expertise and competitive background ensure a comprehensive and engaging fitness experience.

A dedicated CFT member since 2018, Gabriel has been a CrossFit L1 Trainer and coach since 2020. As a seasoned obstacle course race competitor, he brings a unique perspective to fitness. Beyond the gym, Gabriel serves as a pastor at Gateway Family Church and has over five years of volunteer work with special needs and at-risk children.

With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a background as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Leigh brings extensive expertise to CFT. A CrossFit coach and certified personal trainer since 2022, she also has over 12 years of competitive dance experience. Leigh’s competitive spirit shines through her participation in the CrossFit Open and Power Lifting for Autism.

With a degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a background as a Civil Engineer with Spire Inc., Lee combines technical expertise with fitness passion. Certified as a CrossFit Level-2 Trainer and CrossFit Kids Coaching, he excels in guiding athletes of all ages. His competitive background, upbeat attitude, and determination make him an exceptional asset to have as a coach.

With a background in radiologic technology and a CrossFit veteran since 2015, Bridget brings extensive experience to her role as a ReBoot coach at CFT. As a registered radiologic technologist and owner of RCH Management, LLC, she combines professionalism with a passion for fitness. Join Bridget for an engaging and effective fitness journey at CFT!

With a rich background in fitness and dance, Christy has been a ReBoot coach since it’s inception. A former college dance team member and AFAA certified personal trainer, she brings extensive experience to her coaching. Christy has also competed in multiple marathons, including the Nashville Full Marathon.

With an extensive background in competitive gymnastics, tumbling, and certifications in athletic training and nursing, Stephanie brings a deep understanding of physical health and fitness to her role. Previously an RN in Trauma/Burn Intensive Care and Emergency Room settings, Stephanie combines her medical expertise with her passion for fitness.

A Captain with Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service and a firefighter since 1990, Brian brings a wealth of experience to CFT. As a ReBoot coach since 2020 and a CrossFit Open competitor, he combines dedication and expertise. Brian also competes in Barbells for Boobs, showcasing his commitment to fitness and community.

With decades of experience as a firefighter, Chris serves as a Battalion Chief at the Trussville Fire Department. A dedicated first responder, he prioritizes his health and fitness to perform at his best and set an example for his two daughters. His leadership, resilience, and commitment to service make him a valuable coach at CFT, where he helps others build strength and endurance for life’s challenges.

Adrian is a decorated Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge competitor with multiple first-place finishes. With a robust competitive background, Adrian has been a dedicated CrossFit coach and certified personal trainer at CFT since 2015. A CrossFit veteran and Level Method Foundation certified, he excels in guiding athletes to their peak performance.

With an Associate’s degree in Applied Science from Columbia Southern University, Steven Sawyer brings a substantial foundation in technical knowledge to his coaching. He’s a CF Level-1 Trainer with a competitive streak evidenced by his consistent participation in the CrossFit Open since 2015, Steven's expertise in safety, honed through his role as Safety Director at Brasfield & Gorrie, assures the highest standards of training.

At 74 years old, Mike Wright is living proof that discipline and drive don’t expire with age. A devoted husband of 56 years and pastor for over five decades, Mike joined CrossFit Trussville in January 2020 seeking to maintain strength, resilience, and longevity. What he found was far more.

Despite arthritis and biannual knee injections, Mike continued to push himself. With consistent training through CrossFit and ReBoot, he not only improved his movement and quality of life—he thrived. This year, Mike set new personal records on deadlifts and finished 32nd in the world in the CrossFit Semifinals for the 70+ division.

Mike’s background in running 5Ks, 10Ks, and Spartan races speaks to a lifetime of movement, but it’s his unwavering mindset that defines him today. He now coaches and encourages others in our Legends and ReBoot programs, proving daily that it’s never too late to get stronger, move better, and lead from the front.