Coaches
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, Level 2, Gymnastics, Kettlebell, Mobility, Striking, Kids, Strongman, Flexibility, Olympic Lifting
Jon Levell
Owner/Head Coach
What is my fitness background?
I grew up playing traditional team sports through college. Basketball and acro gymnastics were the focal points as I began to move through the college years. Fast forward a few years and I found myself still “exercising” to stay in shape during my early 20’s. I found CrossFit around the age of 26 with my wife and we never looked back. CrossFit changed everything all the way to the simple definition to what fitness actually was for me and what I wanted it to be.
How did I find CrossFit?
I started coaching CrossFit at Overload in 2010 after being recruited by Jordan Gravatt (Original Owner) because of my gymnastics coaching background. After a short time learning the ropes through the foundations class, I began the process to coach regular CrossFit classes.
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
Helping people find better versions of themselves has been the greatest contribution coaching has given me. Most importantly through my family, helping them see what health and fitness are with the impact of a community has affected me greatly. Coaching has made me a better person, husband, and father and continues to help me evolve as a human.
Something we don't know about you?
I have a secret ambition to be a park ranger at a national park.
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, Level 2, Gymnastics, Flexibility
Kira Levell
Owner
What is my fitness background?
Mostly Gymnastics and CrossFit with a sprinkle of Dance… Dedicated 15 years as a Gymnast getting the opportunity to compete Level 9 gymnastics and train level 10 skills. I’ve spent the past 17 years Coaching all levels of Gymnastics ranging from 18 Month old/ Mommy & Me classes up to Elite Level Gymnastics and everything in-between. I chose to begin My CrossFit journey back in 2010 while 7 Months pregnant with my daughter, Jayden. Naturally, It was only a matter of time before the interest of working with adults sparked my curiosity and decided to pursue Coaching at CrossFit by Overload in 2012. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work with all ages from 3-96 years old… Yes, 96! Our Senior Class is a hit and by far the most rewarding age group to work with. Then about five years ago all the stars aligned and my husband, Jon and I were fortunate enough to get the opportunity to take over ownership of CrossFit by Overload. A huge honor and We’ve been living the dream ever since!
How did I find CrossFit?
12 years ago. The current Owners at the time, Jordan and Paula Gravatt. Approached My husband, Jon. While we were both working at SCEGA Gymnastics. Jordan asked if We would be interested in teaching gymnastics to adults. As unsafe as it sounded at the time, we took a chance. Try to CrossFit class to see what it was all about and later that day coach the first gymnastics class. And Jon and I have continued to coach CrossFit gymnastics ever since.
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
Coaching CrossFit is incredibly rewarding! To watch firsthand the positive impact You can have on another humans life is powerful! But first, I must lead by example. It’s crucial to live my own happy, healthy life before I can ever really truly help anyone else do the same… Therefore my passion to be the best leader for My members, fuels me to be my best self My Overload Family brings out the best in Me!
Something we don't know about you?
Here ya go… WELL into my 20s I thought The classic movie that everyone has grown to love was called “Indian in the Jones”… I know, I have no excuse.
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, Level 2, Endurance, Pose Running Technique
Penny Gully
Coach
What is my fitness background?
I have been coaching Crossfit for 10 years. Level 2 Crossfit coach. Crossfit Endurance certified. Pose running Technique certified
How did I find CrossFit?
I read about Crossfit in the LA Times 14 years ago and thought it was something I would love, a friend introduced me to Crossfit by Overload in 2009. I became a Level 1 coach in 2010
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
Coaching CF has been the opportunity of a lifetime. I love helping people set and meet goals and witnessing them change their lives. It is humbling and inspiring. I am forever grateful to CF for all that it has given me.
Something we don't know about you?
I Ran across the Grand Canyon at 50 years old then went back and ran Rim to Rim to Rim the following year.
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1
Chandler Hall
Coach
What is my fitness background?
I’ve been an athlete my entire life! I was a competitive gymnast from 4 - 12 years olds until I switched over to more traditional sports throughout middle school and high school (basketball, softball, volleyball, and track). When choosing my degree in college I naturally gravitated towards the most fitness-based route which landed me in health and exercise science (kinesiology). I graduated from the University of Northern CO with my bachelor’s back in 2017. Post-college, I worked for a local medical group designing fitness centers and programming classes for our local senior population. Working for an amazing group of doctors really expanded my understanding of appropriate health and fitness regimens for our aging population.
How did I find CrossFit?
After years of working out in a traditional gym setting, I realized how bored and unmotivated I was with my current fitness routine. My husband convinced me to try out our local CrossFit gym just for a change a pace. One class and I was immediately addicted! I had forgotten how it felt to be so passionate about a sport that I became a little bit obsessed. Five years later and it’s still going strong!
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
Absolutely! It’s made me a better athlete and given me the opportunity to share something I am passionate about with the community. My entire family now does CrossFit and being able to help them on their fitness journey is truly incredible.
Something we don't know about you?
I am a big bookworm and a closeted nerd. My family is essentially its own Lord of the Rings cult amongst other obsessions not limited to Star Wars, Harry Potter, etc. If you ever want to have a deep dive discussion on why Tom Bombadil shouldn’t have been cut from the LOTR movies, let me know lol.
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, Level 2, Olympic Lifting, Gymnastics
Aaron Hunter
Coach
What is my fitness background?
My interest in athletics began as a competitive swimmer and water polo player. Winning championships at the high school and college level, I have participated in various water competitions for 10 years. I then went on to graduate from San Diego State University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. After college, I entered into a career in the gaming industry. During this time, I was still active in swimming, water-polo club teams, and weight lifting. However, after some time passed, I was ready for additional challenges and broadened my training into other fields. This included Thai Kick-boxing, Jujitsu, wrestling, strength endurance, and Olympic lifting. And with the help of a personal trainer, I was introduced to Crossfit.
How did I find CrossFit?
Like most people, Crossfit has changed my life. After six months of Crossfit, I decided to learn more of Crossfit’s methods and ideology of constantly varied functional movements. I then began to acquire certifications through Crossfit HQ.
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
With the Crossfit method and skillsets, I’ve started to compete in various Crossfit Events, Frogman Challenges, Mud Runs, and any other test of fitness. As a Coach at Crossfit by Overload Murrieta, I would like to share my knowledge and passion for living a healthy lifestyle. “The needs of Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ by degree, not kind.” With this as an essential principle, I want to continue to learn and extend to others the fundamental skills needed in everyday life.
Something we don't know about you?
I once got up to 177 mph on my Yamaha R1!
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, Level 2
Kim Vanhaaster
Coach
What is my fitness background?
Before starting CrossFit, running was always my go-to form of exercise. My husband introduced me to Crossfit in 2011. I wanted to lose the rest of my baby weight and I was tired of going to the gym and jogging without seeing results. We went to a trial class and I was hooked. After a few years, I decided to get my Level 1 and started coaching shortly after. I have been a coach at Overload since 2020.
How did I find CrossFit?
Crossfit has been such a positive impact on my life in really every way. It has really helped me get stronger, have better endurance, and has helped me dial in my nutrition. I have a better relationship with food than I ever have, and I am stronger and fitter than I have ever been. I love how CrossFit keeps everyone humble. You may have the best WOD of your life one day, then the next feel like you’ve never done Crossfit before. You’re always learning and improving.
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
I really enjoy coaching and watching people learn and grow as an athlete. My favorite moment is that ah-ha moment when an athlete figures out a movement or skill they’ve been working on. As a coach, I get to share that moment with them. Helping others realize their potential and start or continue on a healthier path is a privilege. I can’t forget the CrossFit community. The sense of belonging and comradery, especially at Overload, is magical. There’s nothing else like it. I feel very blessed to be part of the staff at Overload.
Something we don't know about you?
Something you may not know about me is I was in the Air Force for 5 years. I was a C-130 loadmaster. Nowadays I’m a mom to 3 kids and 2 dogs
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, Kids
Juan Valle
Coach
What is my fitness background?
I did gymnastics throughout high school and then started coaching gymnastics.
How did I find CrossFit?
I Found CrossFit through Jon Levell who was one of my first gymnastics coaches.
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
Learning CrossFit made me a better athlete and coach. It has taught me a lot about fitness and health. And I have met many lifelong friends through it.
Something we don't know about you?
In my free time, I like music I play piano and guitar.
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, Level 2, Mobility, Gymnastics, Max Dogg Cycling, NASM
Jenny Esposito
Coach
What is my fitness background?
I’ve been playing sports since I was 5. I was a 3 sport collegiate athlete. 2-time first-team All-American in college. And had two opportunities to play professionally, Lacrosse in Europe and Soccer in Florida or Georgia.
How did I find CrossFit?
I found CrossFit in my last year of Chiropractic schooling in 2010. But didn’t get to join till 2013.
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
Coaching fulfills more than I have time to talk about. I love seeing someone new and all the potential they hold. It’s a scary, frustrating journey at first but if you stick with it, it’s priceless.
Something we don't know about you?
I once danced with Cindi Lauper on stage in concert!
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, Level 2
Darius Guerrero
Coach
What is my fitness background?
In high school, I used to play tennis, track and was on the swim team. I was never really super athletic but I joined the sports teams to hang out with my friends. I've always had poor hand-eye coordination and wasn't really into fitness until later in college. Growing up in Lake Tahoe I would often ski at least a couple of times a week and that was really how I stayed fit.
How did I find CrossFit?
I found CrossFit by happenstance. I was dropping my friend off at the apartments and I saw a car that was wrapped in CrossFit oh, so I called the number and decided to try it. After my initial session I threw up twice but I liked it. And I came back a month later and decided to join and haven't looked back.
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
Being a CrossFit coach has definitely impacted the rest of my life. I have learned to have a commitment to People's Health and well-being and that's translated to a lot of areas of my life. I genuinely enjoy helping people become better versions of themselves and being a coach has given me a really unique perspective about how to instruct people, but also to make sure that people understand what I'm saying. I wasn't very good at communication before being a CrossFit coach, and now I understand that people learn things differently and to do my best to explain however I can.
Something we don't know about you?
Something that people don't know about me is I actually have a black belt in Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do. I started doing it when I was in Middle School and stopped when I was in high school.
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, Level 2, Weightlifting, Gymnastics, USA Weightlifting 2
ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist, Personal Trainer, WuLift Staff
Cary Booth
Coach
What is my fitness background?
My Fitness background is that I was a gymnast swimmer and distant runner Then became an Ironman triathlete Before I found CrossFit and Olympic lifting
How did I find CrossFit?
I found CrossFit because I had a friend in Colorado who kept talking about it So I walked into a box to give it a try. On my first day there I saw people work lifting heavy and I knew it could be my home.
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
When I was 19 I started coaching swimming and fell in love with helping people get better. After I became a fitness instructor and started programming for people including triathletes Is when I really begin to improve my skills As a trainer and coach. After finding CrossFit Being able to coach it was my way of giving back to our community.
Something we don't know about you?
When I lived in Nairobi, Kenya, my friend’s son was turning 1 month old. This requires a special celebration. We met in his small shanty town all the locals were dressed in their best clothes and we marched around the huts, singing and clapping while the village shaman threw the infant into the air at the front of the parade over and over again. Much to my dismay…
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, BAMF, SM L1
Jesse Rodriguez
Coach
What is my fitness background?
I have been a Marine Infantryman for 14 years and fitness is a huge part of that. As I spent more time in the military it became apparent to me that fitness was vital in all facets of life and I have done my very best to maintain that.
How did I find CrossFit?
Stumbled into a couple of gyms looking for a place that would feed my addiction to competition and hard work. The only place I found those things was Overload doing this thing we call CrossFit. I am great to this community and my family at overload.
How has coaching CrossFit changed my life?
Allows me to do what I love and spread that joy to others.
What is something people don’t know about me?
Put on some music and watch me go!
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, NICA Level 1
Matt Driscoll
Coach
What is my fitness background?
Matt is a graduate from Eastern Michigan University, where he played D -1 college football and obtained a B.S. in Criminology. He worked in the criminal justice system for a short time before becoming a General Contractor and starting his own construction company in 2015.
How did I find CrossFit?
Matt started his CrossFit journey in 2009 when his brother became the Wellness and Fitness Coordinator for Orange County Fire Authority. Matt’s younger brother asked Matt for help learning what Crossfit was so he could take the functional fitness model into the fire stations for Orange County. That’s when Matt learned of Crossfit and had his 1st sip of the kool-aid. Matt has a deep history in athletics, and when that love of physical activity united with CrossFit’s theory of functional fitness he immediately fell in love. Crossfit’s intensity, comradery, and family atmosphere really resonated with Matt.
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
In January 2014, Matt was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma with malignant tumors in the bone marrow of his legs, in his lungs, and on his adrenal gland. After 1 insanely long year, Matt had his 1 st clean PET scan, on his birthday he learned there was no evidence of disease! When Matt was diagnosed he thought he was in the best shape of his life, and he couldn’t figure out why such a horrible thing was happening to him. He had been a devoted Crossfit athlete for 5 years, he had learned the importance of fueling the body correctly, he fought to get plenty of sleep, and he was following the Crossfit programming yet he couldn’t figure out why he was struck with such a debilitating disease. “Although, cancer tried to take me out of this life Crossfit has given me a fighting chance.” Throughout his year of battling the disease and undergoing chemo treatments, his Dr. and nurses believed his resiliency and ability to bounce back were a testament to the education he received from incorporating Crossfit into his life. The proper nutrition and a smart effective physical activity program that he was partaking in literally saved his life. If you look at human health like a car’s fuel gauge, and if you understand that a full tank of fuel will get you a lot farther down the road in life than an empty tank then you understand that a healthy body and lifestyle will also get you further down the road of life. To have cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy means you have a full tank of health, and you will travel a long distance before your health tank starts to run on fumes. Matt wishes to share his experiences and knowledge with others in the hope to bring smiles to more faces.
Something we don't know about you?
I have hiked the Grand Canyon from rim to rim 3 different times and have failed at it once.
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1, Level 2
Carlie Stone
Coach
What is my fitness background?
I have always been pretty athletic and into any and all things fitness related, but mainly I played basketball from elementary school all the way through college. Once I graduated college in June of 2010, I found CrossFit and have been training and competing ever since.
How did I find CrossFit?
When I graduated from college, a friend of my sisters wanted someone to CrossFit with. I didn’t know what it was, but I always enjoyed anything fitness so I went and watched a Saturday class with her. There was a girl doing Fight Gone Bad and as soon as I saw it I knew this was something I wanted to do.
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
There have been so many blessing that have come from coaching CrossFit for me. This sport has given me so many opportunities in general-from improving my fitness, to becoming a coach, to giving me a platform to compete, to owning a business, to establishing the most incredible relationships, and to building a community of like-minded people around me-and I am beyond grateful for all of it. Coaching specifically has opened the door to all of those things, and has given me the opportunity to grow tremendously-as a person and as an athlete. I have learned so much from coaching, not just about the sport of CrossFit and all the knowledge that surrounds that, but also about how to relate with and connect with people. It has taught me how to use this sport as a platform to make a positive impact in the lives of others and it has helped me to build life-long relationships. I truly believe coaching CrossFit for the last 13+ years has greatly shaped me into the person I am today.
Something we don't know about you?
I love Pixar movies and my favorite color is pink.
Certifications:
Crossfit Level 1
Gentry Burch
Coach
What is my fitness background?
I have always been interested in fitness. I spent most of my childhood in gymnastics up until high school. From there, I just tried to stay active, whether that was running, hiking, or spending way too many hours in a traditional gym. I found crossfit 6 years ago and haven’t looked back.
How did I find CrossFit?
I was bored with what I was doing at the traditional gym, but I didn't know anything about crossfit gyms. One of my coworkers kept bugging me to check out the crossfit gym she had been going to, so I finally joined her. I immediately felt welcomed as if I had been going there for years. It was easily the hardest workout I had ever done, but I was hooked.
How has coaching CrossFit affected the rest of your life?
Oh, in so many ways! I think the biggest thing for me is that it has changed my perception of growth in others. From day one at Overload, I have been continually impressed by others cheering others on. There is an atmosphere of encouragement and celebration of others like no other place. I have learned to only see people's strength and growth, instead of their flaws. I have been humbled in the best way possible, and I have become a more positive, uplifting person.
Something we don't know about you?
I am the third of seven kids. We all live in different states now, so vacations are usually some sort of graduation, wedding, baby shower, or birthday.