Coach Anna Steele
Growing up I was a very active kid and could never quite “sit still”. I played almost every sport that I could – soccer, basketball, golf, tennis, track, and powerlifting. In 7th grade I started going to lifting in the mornings to help me get stronger for basketball. I instantly had fallen in love with the idea of weightlifting and being stronger than the boys.
In 2017 I told my mom that I wanted to go to the Olympics for weightlifting. Being the best mom that my mom was she wanted to make this happen for me. We started searching for gyms that I could train at to help me achieve this goal. My moms friend had told her about CrossFit Allendale and that I should come with her to the bring a friend class. Ever since then I have been hooked. I love the community and sport that CrossFit brings.
Since starting CrossFit not only have I gotten stronger and faster, but I’ve also done things that I never thought I would be able to- run a toughest mudder, hold multiple state records and titles in powerlifting along with three national titles, do 1,000 step ups, 500 burpees, 12 hero WODs in 12 hours… the list goes on and on. CrossFit has allowed me to push myself past what I thought was my limit. Not only has this sport given me confidence and strength to go about my day to day life, but it has given me a community that I can call my family.
After I graduated high school in 2021, Kate and Josh came to me with the idea that I should get my CF- L1 and start coaching. A little after that my mom passed away from stage 4 breast cancer. That put my plans of coaching to a halt. My mom was my biggest supporter and inspiration. While going through chemo she still showed up to the gym to get her workout in, no matter how she had felt. It was that determination and grit that inspired me to do what I love no matter the challenges that I faced along the way. It took me awhile, but I eventually got my CF-L1 and not too long after my CF-L2.
Coaching is something that I have always been very passionate about. To me coaching is about empowering, encouraging, and helping every athlete be the best versions of themselves. I love getting to share my knowledge with others, show everyone that exercise is fun, and that it’s cool to be strong!
I feel so blessed that I am able to work with such amazing coaches and athletes while having the most fun job ever!
