Derek and Kelli Kent

About Coach

We have lived in Columbia for over 16 years. We enjoy being a part of this community and staying involved locally through our franchise businesses, youth sports, and church. CrossFit is a growing sport, and it is something we enjoy sharing with our three children. Now we have the opportunity to share it with Columbia and surrounding communities. Derek: I have been an athlete since I was young. I played four different sports in high school. I played football in college and was a defensive back for Truman State University. After college, I began running half and full marathons. Endurance sports take a level of mental fortitude that I found challenging and enjoyed pursuing. I even logged many miles pushing my children in strollers when they were young. In 2021, a good friend finally convinced me to join him at 5:00 am to try CrossFit. I am thankful I did because it was the missing fitness piece in my life. I have always been a competitive person. That drive often shows up in my business pursuits, but I did not realize how much I missed that element in my fitness life. For me, CrossFit provides the focused and goal-setting environment I desire. I feel like CrossFit is “my sport” and I feel like an athlete again in my 40s. I forgot how much I enjoy working out around and with other people who push one another. I am excited to help build the greater CrossFit brand within the community and introduce this amazing sport to more people. Kelli: I have been a tomboy since the day I was born. I enjoy sports of every kind, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to play basketball as a point guard for Truman State University. Since college, I have run or walked half and full marathons tried high-intensity interval training, and done spin classes, only to finally land in CrossFit. Initially, I was hesitant to try CrossFit. I was not new to fitness or weightlifting, but I had pre-conceived notions that CrossFit was for “fitness extremists” and I was afraid I would get hurt trying something at a level I was not prepared for. I am pleased to admit I was mistaken. CrossFit is so unique because there truly is something for everyone. For me, I longed for the community from my college basketball days. I spent 12 years working out alone while my children were young, and I missed working out around other people. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the movements in CrossFit could be scaled to suit my strengths, needs, or fitness level. The environment will challenge you in whatever way to choose to be challenged, but there is the flexibility to change movements as needed, and this was incredibly appealing to me. Pairing that, with the variety of movements that keep my body guessing, is what keeps me enthusiastic about CrossFit. If there is one idea I want people, who are new to CrossFit or thinking about trying CrossFit, to consider: “stay with your commitment”. Whatever is driving you to look at CrossFit, to begin with, act and show up consistently for at least 6 weeks. Do not quit too early. Give your body and habits a chance to catch up before making a long-term decision. You can move through those 6 weeks at a reasonable pace but give yourself that chance to make an informed decision; you might be surprised at what you learn. We hope to see you in the arena!