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)
Client Success Manager
Alyssa Ramon
Born in the Coastal Bend & raised in Alice, Texas, Alyssa is always ready to help & motivate others in the gym! Alyssa's #1 joy of CrossFit is the community aspect. She loves being able to show up to class with a group of people with all different backgrounds, careers, and families, yet still work hard towards similar goals! Our CSM loves/wants to nurture the client journey & experience for anyone and everyone who walks through our doors!
A fun fact about our CSM is that she LOVES cats!
CrossFit Trainer
Yasminda Arispe
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.
Legends Coach,
CrossFit Trainer
Liza Dionio
Liza's journey in fitness began in her 30s after having two kids. Motivated to set an example for her boys, she discovered CrossFit and quickly fell in love with the challenge and community it brought.
For Liza, fitness became a way to show that strength, consistency, and capability are achievable at any age. Now a licensed Physical Therapist and CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Liza is known for empowering older adults with confidence. Her coaching “superpower” is helping them realize it’s never too late to build strength and reclaim movement, fostering independence and vitality in and out of the gym. A favorite movement to coach? Deadlifts-because they’re both functional and empowering, especially for those who thought their strong days were behind them. Favorite workout? Anything with deadlifts and double unders. Liza loves the challenge of combining rhythm and strength, and the satisfaction of seeing it all come together. When it comes to community, Liza says, “We’re a team, a family, and we cheer for everyone. At Contender, we truly believe that every season of life is worth pursuing with strength.” Fun fact? Her kids think she’s the strongest person they know-and that’s her favorite PR yet.
Nutrition Coach,
CrossFit Trainer
McKenzie Melvin
From the softball field to the CrossFit floor, fitness has always been a driving force in Coach McKenzie's life. Growing up, she was a multi-sport athlete-competing in softball, cross country, and track & field.
She first discovered CrossFit at just 16 years old, then transitioned into competitive powerlifting until 2023. In early 2024, she made her return to CrossFit-and hasn’t looked back since.
Now a certified CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and personal trainer, Coach McKenzie brings both passion and precision to every session. She’s especially focused on helping athletes develop strong, functional, pain-free movement. Her coaching “superpower” lies in teaching people how their bodies move, building confidence through safe and effective mechanics.
One of her favorite skills to coach is the deadlift. She believes that learning how to hinge properly is not just essential for performance-but for life. “Being able to pick something up safely is a game-changer, and most people have never been taught how.”
Outside the gym, you’ll find Coach McKenzie continuing to grow in her craft and inspiring others through every rep, lift, and lesson.
Personal Trainer, CrossFit Youth Coach
Joaquin Cordero
Joaquin's journey into fitness began through preparing for the military and pushing himself to become the strongest, healthiest version of himself possible. Along the way, he discovered a passion for powerlifting and quickly became driven by the process of building strength, discipline, and confidence both inside and outside the gym.
What Joaquin loves most about coaching is helping people accomplish goals they once believed were out of reach. Having personally experienced multiple stages of fitness – from being underweight, to overweight, to reaching peak condition – he understands firsthand what it feels like to start from different places and the work it takes to move forward.
His coaching “superpower” is his ability to relate to people through experience while creating a motivating and encouraging environment that helps athletes stay consistent and confident in their journey.
Favorite movement to coach? Squats – especially because he genuinely enjoys leg day.
Whether your goal is improving overall fitness, building strength, enhancing sports performance, or simply becoming more confident in your health, Coach Joaquin is passionate about helping you create a plan and take that next step forward.
CrossFit Trainer
Maclovio Reyes
Maclovio Reyes discovered a passion for fitness through powerlifting, but it was watching Rich Froning win the 2013 CrossFit Games that inspired him to pursue CrossFit. The challenge, intensity, and constant opportunity for growth immediately drew him in.
As a coach, Mac enjoys helping athletes build confidence, improve over time, and accomplish movements or lift weights they once thought were impossible. His passion for growth and development makes him a great addition to the Contender community.
Favorite Movement: Back Squat
Favorite Workout: Isabel
Fun Fact: Before coaching CrossFit, Mac worked as a reactor operator on both a nuclear submarine and at a commercial nuclear power plant.
Coach Mac brings a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and genuine passion for helping others succeed, and we’re excited for our community to get to know him!
Personal Trainer
Kelsey Zuniga
Kelsey Zuniga is a Corpus Christi native and a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
She holds both the NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and NSCA Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, two of the most respected credentials in the fitness industry
Her background includes strength training, Olympic weightlifting, and performance-focused coaching, with a passion for helping athletes of all ages move better, perform confidently, and improve their overall health and fitness.
While pursuing her Master’s degree, Kelsey continues to grow within the CrossFit community as she works toward her long-term goal of one day owning her own 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.