Hometown: San Luis Obispo, California

Athletic History: I’m originally from Cambodia and moved to the U.S. at age 7. I was originally a runner, focusing on track & field and cross country. When injuries kept me from competing beyond high school, I started coaching both middle school and high school track. Around the same time, my fraternity brothers got me into weightlifting. I hate to admit it but my main motivation was looking good at parties and in my Instagram thirst traps. I first discovered CrossFit during the pandemic, through a small group who trained together in a quarantine bubble. I liked the mix of intensity and functional skills, and l loved having a group of people to call my community.

Coaching Background: When I lived in LA I was working in the film industry and trained and bred horses in the mountains of Santa Barbara. I loved the active work with horses, but after being injured on the job I stepped away to focus on rehab and physical therapy. After recovery, I moved to Seattle to pursue a coaching career. I’ve been a personal trainer since 2022 and a CrossFit coach since 2024.

Favorite Non-Fitness Activities: I love traveling with my partner Sam, paddleboarding on the lake, and camping in the mountains with friends. I’m always up for an escape room or wine tasting, preferably with some country music on the drive.

What I Wish I Knew When I Started CrossFit: Leave the ego at the door. There’s plenty of time to build to heavier weights. My own experience with injuries has taught me to focus on proper technique and thinking beyond today’s workout. Learning to move with intention and slowly building strength over time will do more for you than rushing into one big lift. I want to keep training for years, and I want the same for the people that I coach.