How did you discover CrossFit?
I first heard of CrossFit many years ago but was always scared to try it because I didn’t think I could do it. I finally worked up the nerve to try it, scheduled my first CrossFit workout at DeNovo and wish I had tried it sooner!
What draws you to DeNovo CrossFit?
The people - the members and coaches make DeNovo like no other place!
What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment in CrossFit and in life?
Improving myself daily and pushing to be the best example I can be for my daughter, Emma.
What athlete/s at DeNovo inspire you to be the best version of yourself each and every day?
Every single person in the gym - members and coaches.
What is your pet peeve?
Things not being put back where they belong.
What/who inspires you?
My little girl - she’s my why for everything!
Favorite joke.
Why do Norwegian naval ships have barcodes on them?
So when they return to port they can Scandinavian (scan the navy in).
What advice would you have for anyone who is nervous to join DeNovo?
It’s scary to take the first step into something new. Change doesn’t happen in comfort zones. DeNovo is a family and you will be welcomed by everyone, no matter your skill level!
What do you enjoy doing outside of CrossFit, both for fun and professionally?
Being outside in warm weather!
If we were sitting here one year from now, what would we be celebrating together?
Consistency and progress!
Favorite CrossFit movement?
Back squats.
What are you currently reading?
Lately, it’s been "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" with Emma - it’s her favorite. Other than that, I don't have a lot of free time right now.
What are you thankful for?
Opportunities in life.
What the coaches have to say about Derrick:
Derrick! What an awesome 8 months it has been having you as a member at DeNovo. It has been really cool to watch you get stronger, improve your confidence and surprise yourself with pushing the intensity and getting outside of your power-lifting comfort zone. You have such a gentle, wonderful kindness about you and I just love when you talk about Emma... You light up so much and it is clear how much she means to you and how great of a father you are. I loved that you brought her and Bri to the DeNovo Anniversary party just a few weeks after you joined last summer and you have continued to be engaged at gym events ever since! You attend nutrition talks, did our nutrition challenge, take advantage of our Elevated Membership and are doing the CrossFit Open. Although you had a couple of months where work was pulling you away from CrossFit, I am seriously impressed and excited that you returned and are now more consistent than ever! You even made Committed Club last month! We have seen it too many times where people lose their drive and never return... thank you for trusting us and your fellow athletes to help keep you accountable and to provide a safe and fun place for you to continue improving your health and fitness while being around awesome people. - Coach Jenny
Huge congratulations to Derrick for being our March Member Spotlight! From day one when I met with Derrick for his free intro before joining, I have been so inspired by him. He was nervous to try something new like CrossFit but was 100% willing to step outside of his comfort zone and join DeNovo. We as coaches know that stepping outside of our comfort zones is where change can happen and Derrick took that step and scheduled foundations and joined right away. Derrick has an amazing attitude and is so kind to everyone he meets. He loves his family and glows when he talks about his daughter. I have been able to work with him through individualized programming to help him with accountability for consistency in the gym as well as to help challenge him in his workouts. I also got to be his nutrition coach during our last challenge and it was really neat to see how his hard work paid off during and after the challenge. I am so glad he is a part of our DeNovo community and I can't wait to see him continue to improve through consistency! Derrick, thank you for being an inspiration to others and for making yourself a priority! You are amazing! - Coach Jorine
Congratulations, Derrick! I have so enjoyed getting to know you more since you started your fitness journey with us! You are such an inspiration. Despite making strides to further your career, being a husband and dad, working 70+ hour workweeks & more, you STILL prioritize your health and fitness amidst all the chaos. I love your “no excuse” approach. Thank you for always showing up early, being ready to go, and working hard! It is exciting to see how much progress you’ve already made and your story is just beginning. Thank you for trusting us to share what we love with you and trusting the process as well. I can’t wait for you to experience Disneyland with your family for the first time this year and all the exciting things that are to come! I’m so glad you are able to share a small part of your story with us. Congratulations! - Coach Paige
Derrick!! Congratulations on being our member spotlight for March!! I admire your dedication to your health. Even though you had a busy season, you got right back into the routine and are so consistent at the gym and it shows! I’m proud of you for pushing through that adversity. You are approachable and also one of the easiest people to talk to and I enjoy getting to see you at the gym. You have rocked the OPEN so far this year and have such a great attitude about doing it. I can’t wait to see you continue to push hard and the results that will come from it in the next year! I’m glad you are part of DeNovo!! - Coach Nikki