Our Coaches
Our Team
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Candace Rape, Owner / Pregnancy & Post-Partum / Nutritionist / CrossFit & ReBoot Coach
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.
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Sophia Contreras, General Manager / Event Coordinator / Nutritionist / CrossFit & ReBoot Coach
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.
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Andrew Rape, Owner / Director Class Programming / Nutritionist
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 and leading fitness ventures.
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Gabriel Wright, CrossFit Coach
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.
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Leigh Hanby, CrossFit & ReBoot Coach
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.
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Lee Contreras, CrossFit & ReBoot Coach
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.
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Steven Sawyer, CrossFit Coach
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.
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Bridget Hamilton, ReBoot 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!
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Stephanie McIlwain, ReBoot Coach
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.
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Christy Tharpe, ReBoot Coach
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.
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Chris Schmohl, ReBoot Coach
Description coming soon!
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Adrian Millican, CrossFit Coach
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.
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Brian Bonner, ReBoot Coach
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.
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Brandon Jones, CrossFit Coach
A CrossFit veteran and AFFA certified personal trainer, Brandon has been coaching at CFT since 2020. With over 13 years as a firefighter and EMT/Paramedic, he brings unmatched dedication and expertise. As Head Trainer for the Palmerdale Firefighter Physical Fitness Program, he combines rigorous training with practical experience.