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)
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.
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
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
Kristian Lopez
CrossFit Trainer
Sebastian Banda
From his earliest memories, Coach Bash has been in constant motion, declaring humorously that he "came out of the womb running." Growing up in south Texas, he excelled in a variety of sports, including swimming, track, football, and basketball, each contributing to his passion for physical fitness and athletic development.
Today, as a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, Coach Bash is not just dedicated to his own fitness but is profoundly committed to inspiring and guiding others. He coaches with a fundamental belief in helping individuals achieve their personal best, especially those eager to improve themselves.
Coach Bash loves to help others, especially those that want to better themselves! His approach is rooted in empathy and encouragement, believing that the first step through the gym door is the toughest. His advice to newcomers is straightforward and supportive: “The hardest part is walking through the doors. Once you’re in, you’ll never want to leave! Trust the process!”
Outside the gym, Coach Bash has his most cherished moments spent with his son and wife, Coach Celestial Banda, whether they’re exploring new activities or simply enjoying each other’s company. Not to forget, he’s also a food lover, always ready to indulge in a good meal & has two American Bullies – Tank & Mia!
CrossFit Trainer
Raegan Brown
Coach Raegan was inspired to become a coach by a strong desire to help people reach their goals. The most rewarding part of coaching for her is connecting with members, guiding them to set goals, believe in themselves, and ultimately accomplish their aspirations.
Originally from Granbury, Texas, she discovered CrossFit through her high school soccer coach. She was instantly hooked and has never looked back since. In high school, she was a dedicated athlete, playing soccer and swimming, with soccer being her main sport. She began her college education at TAMUCC before transferring to Texas A&M University in College Station. There, she graduated with a degree in Sports Management, driven by her lifelong dream of opening her own gym, ideally near a beautiful Florida beach.
Outside of coaching, she is an outdoor enthusiast who loves spending time at the beach. She enjoys reading a good book by the shore and taking long walks with her beloved dog, Kali. Here’s something fun and surprising about her: she absolutely hates chocolate – we know, crazy!
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.
