Coach Steph
Hey! My name is Steph (not Curry, but that’s a common mistake). I’ve been a student of fitness and the human body for forever, which is just fancy talk for being a proud nerd. I played sports my whole life, but really found a passion for water polo in high school. At that time I also realized that I wanted to become a science teacher. I pursued those passions and went to UCSB for my Biology degree where I continued to play water polo. I then went to CLU for my Masters and became a teacher. Currently, I live out one of my dreams as a science teacher at my alma mater and run a health careers pathway there that I designed.
After an injury, however, ended my water polo career, I vowed to myself to stay fit, active, and healthy for life. I vowed to prioritize moving properly, training smart, and listening to my body first and foremost. That’s when I combined my passion for teaching/science and my love for sport/fitness into one; my fitness career. I started as a spin instructor, using the power of music to show people that exercise is for everyone, and that it can be pretty fun too. I then became a certified personal trainer and group fitness coach, where I used my knowledge of movement to show people how to form mind muscle connections and help them achieve their fitness goals. I even became a high school coach, hoping to instill a knowledge and passion in young athletes so they too will stay healthy and fit for life. Little did I know so much good would come out of that soul crushing injury.
About 2 years ago now I walked through the doors of CFTO, skeptical and doubting I would enjoy CrossFit (I was really just there to make my now fiance happy). The workout consisted of just 2 movements, ring muscle ups and pull-ups. Even though I couldn’t do either movement, I left hungry for more. That workout turned into an on-ramp, which turned into CrossFit becoming my daily workout (sometimes twice daily) and eventually signing up for my first open. My nerd self loved conversations with the coaches on form, mechanics, and efficiency in movements. But what really got me is the community here. Every day, I get to walk into CFTO and wave hello or high five my teammates. I get to train with them, practicing the skills we love and the skills we need to still work on (like ring muscle-ups and pull-ups). We push each other to do the hard things together and cheer each other on through our accomplishments. This retired athlete has found a team once again, and it honestly might be the best one yet.
Biological Sciences B. S.
M. Ed. Teacher Leadership
CA Teaching Credentials - Biology, Chemistry, Health Science and Medical Technology
Certified Spin Instructor
NASM CPT
CF-L1