Say hello to Meranda! Avid CrossFitter, Gymnastics Wizard, Kids Coach Extraordinaire, and Dog Mom are just a few ways to describer her :)

Meranda started as a member at CFCL right when the gyms opened back up after COVID. She realized when the world shut down that something was missing in her life. “I was looking for something to do that kept me active, but also helped me feel connected to a community and to help build friendships.”

Meranda made a big impression right from her first visit. Jason (CFCL owner) actually recognized her as his son’s first gymnastics teacher. “Sarah (his wife) and I previously had multiple discussions on how great of an instructor she was, so much so that at the end of her first class I offered her a job!” He thought maybe he had come on a little strong as she did not come back for two weeks. But lo and behold, she came back as a member and eventually started coaching!

Meranda started coaching gymnastics 14 years ago (oh and she’s only 26, so she was quite young). She started coaching initially because she needed money to buy a car :P But long after she was able to buy that car, Meranda is still going strong. What really keeps her coaching is her love for helping people develop and learn. “There is something special about being able to help someone reach their goals, overcome fears, take on challenges, and be able to bounce back from setbacks.”

Although she spent so many years coaching gymnastics, she transitioned to coaching CrossFit because she loves the aspect of life long functional fitness. “Gymnastics is an amazing foundational sport but it has an age limit, whereas CrossFit doesn’t have that limitation, there is a space for everyone at any age at the gym.”

When Meranda was younger, she had an amazing gymnastics coach. That coach has always been a huge role model in her life and she uses that experience to be a role model to everyone she coaches, especially the kids.

“I like coaching children because I love their energy and they are like little sponges; they learn so quickly. I find coaching children helps me stay young and not take life too seriously, its quite fun to bounce around the gym and pretend like I am a monkey...AND kids have the BEST knock knock jokes.”

It is evident that Meranda does everything with her whole heart and great passion. Even though there is so much to learn and know in coaching, and it can be intimidating as things are always evolving, she loves the challenge. Jason has observed this first hand. “It was clear off the start that she is a planner and an organizer, on top of being charismatic, patient, caring all while having a great eye for detail. From start to finish, she’s taking care of members of all ages and every class.”

Jason describes Meranda as “hard working and wants nothing but the best for those around her. We are very fortunate to have her as a leader in our gym community.” Meranda describes herself as “fiery, quick witted and very sarcastic/sassy”. :P

During the day you can find Meranda working as a teller at Affinity Credit Union. What spare time she does have (outside work and the gym) is usually spent hanging out her dogs and boyfriend; going for walks, hanging out by the river, camping, playing cards…oh and playing old school super nintendo games :P