INTRODUCING Contender CrossFit
ABOUT Contender CrossFit
THE TEAM
OWNER
Ervin Martinez
Ervin is an Owner, Head Coach, and Nutrition Consultant at Contender CrossFit. Prior to opening the box, Ervin spent over a decade in the military. It's where he learned the importance of fitness on and off the battlefield. Later, he was eager to find a new challenge, so he started researching CrossFit.
After a year of training, Ervin quickly realized what he wanted to do the rest of his professional career. As a coach, Ervin aims to help athletes tap into their full physical potential. In order to achieve maximum results, you must align your body and mind. “I love studying the psychological aspect of fitness and nutrition. Creating programs that truly deliver is the ultimate reward.” Certifications: CrossFit Endurance CrossFit Level 2 OPEX Level 1 USA Weightlifting
General Manager / Head Coach
Celestial Banda
Originally from Kingsville, Texas - where she graduated from Santa Gertrudis Academy High School in 2016, Coach Celestial Banda (Coach C) played college softball at Trinity Valley Community College (Athens, Texas) 2016-2017, Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, Texas) 2017-2018, and Texas A&M Univeristy - Corpus Christi (TAMUCC; Corpus Christi, Texas) 2019-2020.
Her goal is to bring education, knowledge, intention, & application to different realms of fitness (CrossFit & sports) within south Texas. She has a passion for making her home more aware of the benefits and outcomes to life filled with quality through movement and mindset. Certifications: TAMUCC M.S. Exercise Science CrossFit Level 2 Trainer (CF-L2) ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM EP-C)
Full-Time CrossFit Trainer
Yasminda Serrano
Yasminda has always had a love for movement and was intrigued by exercise & the human body; however growing up she had limited guidance in this area. Throughout her life she played in different areas of dance such as High School Pep Squad & Dance Team, Folklorico Dancing and Middle Eastern Dancing.
She loved dance but was guided down a more conventional route of pursuing her degree in Finance and working in Corporate America for nearly 2 decades. Living a mainly sedentary lifestyle while eating the Standard American Diet and working on a computer for 8+ hours a day was really impacting her health causing excessive weight gain, low energy, lack of confidence and much more. Looking to just lose some weight Yasminda joined Contender CrossFit with the guidance from a Coach & Mentor. Unbeknownst to her this moment would change the rest of her life, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. “Prior to coming to Contender I worked out at a gym, did some dance classes, boot camp and kickboxing stuff but never really knew much about weight training. At Contender, I found this community like no other who helped me discover depths of myself (both in the physical & mental aspect) that I never thought were possible. This stuff is life changing and I knew I needed to dedicate my life giving back to others the life that I was given back, so I took a chance & made a career change. I love people and truly want to see others excel and live a life of fulfillment; taking control of one’s health is a major part of that and I am ever so grateful when someone lets me be a part of that. ” Certifications: CrossFit L1 Precision Nutrition L1 Birthfit Coach OPEX CCP L1 CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach L1 CHEK Holistic Health & Performance for Women
Full-Time CrossFit Trainer
Sebastian Banda
Coach Sebastian Banda was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas - graduating from King High School (2016). He started his CrossFit journey in 2015 - hoping to get stronger, better, & faster for high school sports. He quickly fell in love with the sport of CrossFit itself & has dedicated the majority of time since then, to be the best version of himself possible.
Along the way, he found that inspiring others to do the same was something he wanted to do for the rest of his life. ‘I love helping others, especially when they want better for themselves! The hardest part is walking through those doors. Once you are in, you will never want to leave! Trust the process! Certifications: CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Online
Head Coach of Contender CrossFit Youth
Daniella Wyszynski
Coach Daniella Wyszynski started her journey with us as an athlete! Originally born and raised in Jackson, Tennessee, she graduated from Crockett County High School. She then graduated from Jackson State Community College with a Biology degree. She is currently enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University pursuing her Psychology degree!
Dani’s motive for coaching kids is to create a community for these younger athletes – a place where they can become their greatest self through functional fitness. When she first started her journey into CrossFit, she loved working out in the classes and having a community to workout with! Everything was taken care of as far as the programming, the class flow, and the environment. All she had to do was show up and put in the work! She wants to create that for those as little as 4 years old and up! She would tell a first-time CrossFitter that CrossFit is fun and for everyone! Everything is scaleable – to meet everyone’s needs – and everyone she has been surrounded by has wanted her to succeed! This has helped her journey not just physically, but mentally as well! She wants that for all her athletes!
Client Success Manager
Stephanie Ortega
With a strong passion for helping individuals like you achieve their full potential, Stephanie is here to help the coaches & my role provide personalized support, guidance, and resources to enhance your fitness journey at Contender CrossFit. As our Client Success Manager, Stephanie will be your go-to person for any questions, concerns, or assistance you may need - she is committed to helping you make the most of your time with us!
Here’s a little more about Stephanie:
Stephanie has been doing CrossFit since 2012! She has a daughter named Madisyn who is also a part of our CrossFit Teens – Excel Class! Stephanie loves CrossFit for the community and support as well as her favorite movement, the Burpee! A fun fact about her is that she has a pet bunny named Chibi!
Field - Front Desk Clerk
Claudia Gutierrez
Claudia is attending Texas A&M Univeristy-Corpus Christi where she is currently in ROTC and majoring in Criminal Justice (Year 3). She loves CrossFit because she believes it is a unique way to challenge herself and others to get better everyday! She loves the supportive community of like-minded individuals all sharing a common goal.
Claudia first started CrossFit in high school – searching for a way to get stronger mentally and physically. One class was all it took for her to fall in love with the push that she struggled to find any where else! She is excited to take on this new role because it means she can continue surrounding herself with an amazing environment and sport! With Claudia joining our team, we are confident in her ability to provide you with the support you need during your visits to the gym!
GET STARTED
Book a Free Intro at Contender CrossFit today. Chat with a coach to learn more about how we can help you reach your goals.