Darren Shepherd

CrossFit has translated well beyond the gym walls for me. It has become my lifestyle – the constant pursuit of excellence. What separates CrossFit from the other driving factors in my life, however, are the incredible relationships and camaraderie that inherently come with this experience. It’s a program that brings together all walks of life – and thrives off it. With the sole requirement being the will to succeed, CrossFit is truly for anyone who is willing to try.

I could not be prouder to be a coach here at Trojan Crossfit. I take that responsibility very seriously. Each passing day at the gym is an opportunity for our athletes to become not only fitter, mentally and physically, but to become better people. This is why we call ourselves ‘coaches’, and we hold that title proud.

Contact me: Darren@estlr.com

Certifications

Certified CrossFit Trainer (CF-L2)
CrossFit Scaling Course Certified
Crossfit Judge
USAW – Club Coach
USAW Certified Referee
USADA – Certified
Safe Sport Certified

Luis Valdez

Luis  is a coach for ESTLR Athletics. When he’s not training or coaching, he actively competes in both CrossFit and Weightlifting.

As an Army brat, Luis grew up all over the world. He was a three-sport athlete in high school where he ran cross-country, wrestled, and played baseball. Fitness continued to be very important in college and beyond, but after doing the globo-gym routine for years, he wanted a change.

After his first CrossFit workout, he was hooked. Getting into CrossFit was a life-changing experience, and now he wants to share that with everyone. He genuinely believes that every person – no matter their age, size, or athletic ability – can benefit from CrossFit, and he applies that passion in his coaching.

CrossFit is how Luis was first introduced to Weightlifting, and his interest in the sport grew quickly. He trained under the fine coaches at Trojan Weightlifting and advanced his knowledge further through seminars and training camps with some of the world’s greatest coaches and weightlifters, including Zygmunt Smalcerz, Ilya Ilyin, Dmitry Klokov, Vasily Polovnikov, Oksana Slivenko, and Vladirmir Safonov. Having learned under the Russian system of weightlifting, he applies those foundations and core concepts in the training and programs created for Trojan Weightlifting.

Certifications

CF-L1 Trainer

Hannah Joo

I’ve been an active person since I was a kid. I did Taekwondo  growing up.  I started CrossFit in 2013 , when I was looking for something new to add to my fitness routine besides just Taekwondo.  A friend of mine introduced me to crossfit and I was hooked I had never lifted a weight in my life. But I fell in love with the sport immediately after my first class. From Crossfit I found  During the pandemic I wanted to help the people around stay fit and health so I started coaching friends and family. I decided to get me Crossfit level 1 in 2021.

I love that there is a competitive aspect to it and that it has transformed so many people’s lives. I want other people to have the same experience with the sport as I do. There’s a lot to learn and so much room for growth with all of the gymnastics, weight lifting, and endurance components. I realize everyone may have different goals with CrossFit, and I’m constantly reminded of how much potential people have physically and mentally when I get the opportunity to coach, and that’s what makes me so passionate about it.