COACHES

MEET THE TEAM

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AZELYN

  • Originally hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Azelyn has always been passionate about sports and fitness. Starting at just four years old with T-ball, she quickly developed a love for athletics, leading to a successful career in softball and track during her formative years.

    After looking for something to satisfy her competitive edge, Azelyn found CrossFit and soon began coaching. Over the years, she has learned to work around multiple injuries, developing resilience and a deeper understanding of physical fitness. Through her dedication and enthusiasm Azelyn inspires the next generation to embrace an active lifestyle and reach their personal best.

  • CrossFit Level 1

  • Favorite Lift

    • Clean & Jerk

    Walkout Song

    • NUEVAYoL by Bad Bunny

    A hill I would die on, even if it’s silly.

    • Dogs are superior to cats.

    Favorite TV show to Binge

    • Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

    If I could instantly master a non fitness related skill

    • Snowboarding so I can be good at Skiing and snowboarding.

COACH

Smiling man with beard wearing black "COALITION" T-shirt in a gym setting.

COLE

  • Patience is my virtue - no matter how much you complain, vent, and negotiate (try to) your way through a session. I'm a happy camper, whether it's 6am, 8pm or afternoon nap time. I eat...a lot...and I mean A LOT.

    I care about each and every one of my clients, so much so that I consider them to be part of my (incredibly buff and ripped) family. I know everything about them and they know everything about me - that's how trust is developed and a better mind & body are built. 

    I believe in doing things right - no pretend fitness here. Semi-therapist. Part-time superhero. I will always wear a shirt to your session - despite what you see on this website. I love my wife very very much, and not just because she’s amazing!

  • ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP), Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), Master of Science | Applied Exercise Science - Strength & Conditioning, Master of Science | Sport & Exercise Psychology, Gray Institute Certified in Applied Functional Science (CAFS), USA Weightlifting (USAW) Level 1

  • Favorite Lift

    • Push Press

    Walkout Song

    • Back in Black by AC/DC

    A hill I would die on, even if it’s silly.

    • Learning is a lifelong opportunity.

    Favorite road trip snacks

    • Jimmy Fantastic Bars

    If I could instantly master a non fitness related skill

    • Language learning.

OWNER

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EDDY

  • After participating in track and cross country, Eddy knew he needed something else that would challenge him…then he found CrossFit. He started CrossFit his freshman year of college and hasn’t looked back - he knew he found his niche. From that point on, Eddy realized that he enjoys helping others achieve their goals, leading him to pursue a career in coaching.

    He began coaching CrossFit in 2019 and has continued to find ways to better develop his skills in order to provide the best service possible. Outside of Eddy’s commitments with coaching, the gym is his life so you will most likely find him working out in his free time. Other than that, he enjoys hanging out with friends and family on special occasions.

  • Bachelor of Science | Exercise Science, USA Weightlifting (USAW) Level 1, CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Gymnastics, CrossFit Aerobic Capacity

  • Favorite Lift

    • Snatch

    Walkout Song

    • Carry On My Wayward Son by Kansas

    Favorite road trip snacks

    • Celsius / Zoa & Crunchy Nuts / Chips

    Favorite TV show to binge

    • WWII Documentaries or Pro Wrestling

    If I could instantly master a non fitness related skill

    • Speaking other languages.

COACH

A man in a black T-shirt with "Coalition Barbell Club" printed on it, standing with his arms crossed in a gym setting.

KEVIN

  • Born and raised in Chicago, from ice hockey and baseball to the Spartan race competitive league, movement has always been a major component in Kevin’s lifestyle. In 2017 he stepped into a CrossFit gym and it opened his eyes to a fitness world he had never seen before, immediately drawing him into Olympic weightlifting. Inspired by the challenging technical complexity and gracefulness of the movements, his focus became weightlifting. Starting from scratch and determined to forever improve his technique, he has worked with multiple high level coaches over the past 7 years. He now seeks to share that knowledge and inspiration with others to help them achieve their individual weightlifting goals.

  • Master of Science | Mechanical Engineering

  • Favorite Lift

    • The Jerk

    Walkout Song

    • Till I Collapse by Eminem

    A hill I would die on, even if it’s silly.

    • Ketchup doesn’t belong on a hot dog.

    Favorite road trip snacks

    • Pistachios

    If I could instantly master a non fitness related skill

    • Whipping up cocktails.

COACH

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MADELINE

  • Athletics have always been a part of Madeline's life. From a young age, she competed in swimming and water polo, developing a deep love for training, discipline, and competition. Her passion for movement led her to study yoga for six years, where she gained a deeper understanding of mobility, body awareness, and mindful movement.

    Five years ago, she transitioned into personal training, helping individuals build strength and confidence. However, her competitive drive pushed her to seek new challenges, ultimately leading her to CrossFit. Shortly after starting, she fell in love with the sport and naturally stepped into coaching, combining her athletic background with her love for teaching.

    Now, as a competitive CrossFit athlete, Madeline thrives on pushing her limits at a high level while also helping athletes of all backgrounds achieve their goals. Whether someone is stepping into the gym for the first time or striving to compete, she is there to guide, challenge, and support them every step of the way.

  • CrossFit Level 1

    ISSA Personal Trainer

  • Favorite Lift

    • Snatch

    Walkout Song

    • Beer Never Broke My Heart by Luke Combs

    A hill I would die on, even if it’s silly.

    • Ranch dressing is disgusting.

    Favorite TV show to Binge

    • It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

    If I could instantly master a non fitness related skill

    • Playing the guitar.

ASSISTANT MANAGER

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MEL

  • Melanie started her CrossFit journey after stepping into a box having only mentally prepared to observe a class. The owner said she was dressed to work out so there was no reason why she couldn’t just jump in. Petrified and reluctant, she completed her first CrossFit workout and survived. Within three days, she was signed up for an unlimited membership…that was in May 2012.

    Melanie has chondromalacia in both knees and has had surgeries for both. Leverage her as a resource for various modifications of movements involving the lower half of the body.

    When Melanie isn’t working her day job, she’s at the gym.

  • CrossFit Level 1

  • Favorite Lift

    • Snatch

    Walkout Song

    • Hold My Halo by Lainey Wilson

    Favorite TV show to binge

    • Sex And The City

    Go-to coffee order

    • Ube Latte

    If I could instantly master a non fitness related skill

    • Speak whatever foreign language that I'm going to travel to next.

COACH

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  • Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Melissa attended the University of Illinois, where she served as the captain of the women’s club rowing team. Always driven by a competitive spirit and love for movement, she initially found CrossFit as a way to stay in shape for rowing—and quickly fell in love with the intensity, community, and challenge it offered.

    While living in Seattle, Melissa took her passion a step further by becoming a coach, driven by a desire to help others build confidenc and strength through fitness. She thrives on the energy of class and believes there’s nothing better than the feeling of leaving it all on the floor. In addition to coaching, Melissa serves her community in an even bigger way—as a firefighter. Her dedication to helping others, both inside and outside the gym, shines through in everything she does.

  • USA Weightlifting (USAW) Level 1, CrossFit Level 1

  • Favorite Lift

    • Snatch

    Walkout Song

    • Beez In The Trap by Nicki Minaj

    A hill I would die on, even if it’s silly.

    • Full depth squats are a lifestyle.

    Favorite TV show to Binge

    • New Girl

    If I could instantly master a non fitness related skill

    • Singing like Kelly Clarkson in Season 1 of American Idol.

COACH

MELISSA

Person smiling in a gym, wearing a black Coalition T-shirt.

NASH

  • Originally from a small town in Wisconsin, Nash is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee who made the move to Chicago in May 2021 for work. Despite being new to the city, he brings with him four years of coaching experience in CrossFit and a strong background in competitive powerlifting. Throughout college, Nash competed at three different national championships, showcasing his dedication, discipline, and passion for strength training.

    Nash thrives in both class and one-on-one settings, where he enjoys helping people push past their limits and reach their fitness goals. His coaching style is rooted in encouragement, technique, and building genuine connections with athletes of all levels.

  • CrossFit Level 1

  • Favorite Lift

    • Snatch

    Walkout Song

    • When the Levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin

    A hill I would die on, even if it’s silly.

    • The Bean (in Chicago) is terrible.

    Favorite road trip snacks

    • Muddy Buddies

    If I could instantly master a non fitness related skill

    • Wire Splicing

COACH

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RUDY

  • Born and raised in the heart of Chicago, Rudy embarked on his fitness journey at 18, weighing 287lbs. Driven by determination, he embraced clean eating and daily workouts, shedding over 100lbs.

    Teaming up with a personal trainer, Rudy discovered his love for CrossFit, a passion that has fueled his journey for over 5 years. Recognizing the power of guidance, he ventured into coaching, finding joy in helping others achieve their goals both in and out of the gym.

    Known for his boundless energy, friends often remark, "He’s always working!" Whether it's his primary job, side projects, or new endeavors, Rudy thrives on staying productive.

    Outside of his commitment to fitness and design, you'll frequently find Rudy behind a camera, capturing life's snapshots. He's a dedicated comic book enthusiast and loves delving into discussions about all things related to the magical realm of Harry Potter.

  • Bachelors of Design

    CrossFit Level 1

  • Favorite Lift

    • Cleans

    Walkout Song

    • I'm Not Ok - My Chemical Romance

    A hill I would die on, even if it’s silly.

    • Harry Potter is not just for Kids!

    Favorite TV show to Binge

    • Stranger Things

    If I could instantly master a non fitness related skill

    • Glass Blowing

CREATIVE MARKETING DIRECTOR

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SADIE

  • Sadie has been an athlete her whole life, her first love being soccer. After graduating from the University of Florida she needed to find another outlet besides soccer to satisfy her need to move her body and challenge herself. In 2013 Sadie discovered Olympic Weightlifting and fell in love…in 2015 she began coaching those around her in the sport. Sadie loves helping people feel strong and powerful, both physically and mentally.

    When Sadie is not in the gym you can find her doing yoga, riding her bike, playing soccer, reading books, and exploring the city with friends.

  • IoM Applied Health and Human Performance Specialist (AHHPS), NASM Certified Exercise Specialist (CES), USA Weightlifting (USAW) Level 1, Precision Nutrition Level 1, Girls Gone Strong Level 1 Coach

  • Favorite Lift

    • Snatch

    Walkout Song

    • Sabotage by The Beastie Boys

    A hill I would die on, even if it’s silly.

    • Disney adults are the worst.

    Favorite TV show to Binge

    • Intervention

    If I could instantly master a non fitness related skill

    • Contrary to how I act on road trips, I'd love to be able to sing (well).

MANAGER