MEET THE TEAM

DARREN DEROCHEMONT - "D"

Co-Owner & Head Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course

NASM Certified

Collegiate Football Kicker, Tulane University

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Darren was first introduced to CrossFit by his brother in 2012, "We did backyard workouts with friends for a while. We had 1 barbell with 25lb bumper plates and had no idea what we were doing, but all that mattered was that we were having fun and getting fit!" In 2014 Darren found a CrossFit box to call home where he quickly improved in the Sport of Fitness and absorbed enough knowledge and experience to then become the Head Coach and inspire others to reach their fitness goals. Darren is well known among his peers for his impressive strength, so it comes as no surprise that he was the Florida Grid League's Strength Specialist on the Tampa Bay Brigade team in 2017 when they won 1st Place! Darren has also qualified for Nationals in Olympic Weightlifting in addition to qualifying for Wodapalooza in the Elite Team Division.  In December of 2018, Darren and 3 others have built CrossFit Big Guava from the ground up in his very own neighborhood, Seminole Heights!

Darren was born and raised in Tampa, FL alongside two older brothers who were all heavily involved in competitive sports since they were children. Darren's years of training paid off when he earned an athletic scholarship to Tulane University for football. 

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“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.”

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FAVORITE WORKOUTS/LIFTS:

Lady: Diane
Hero: DT
Lift: Clean
Loves: Handstand Push Ups

TOMAS PESSENDA - "MAS"

Co-Owner & Head Coach

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer Certificate Course

Dmitry Klokov Seminar Participant

Jon North Seminar Participant

Collegiate Soccer Player

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Tomas was first introduced to CrossFit in April of 2012 by a cruel yet life-changing friend. “We did a very modified version of a Hero WOD called Pheezy in the old “globo gym.” My initial thoughts were: What just happened? Did I die? Why doesn’t my body work? It was the worst yet best exercise feeling and I was immediately hooked!” After doing CrossFit style workouts on his own, Tomas joined an affiliate in January of 2013. “The community, competitiveness and overall fun atmosphere is something that just isn’t found in other gym settings.” In March of 2014, he received his Level 1 training certificate. “The best part about coaching is being able to help others and seeing their excitement when a new skill clicks or they set a Personal Record. So, let’s get in the gym and get fitter together!” In December of 2018, Tomas and 3 others have built CrossFit Big Guava from the ground up in his very own neighborhood, Seminole Heights!

Tomas was born in New York and has been in Florida since 2000. He is a graduate of The Florida State University

with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Management.

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“Love Your Life or Change It”

FAVORITE WORKOUTS/LIFTS:

Lady: Barbara or Annie
Hero: The Chief
Lift: Snatch
Loves: Muscle-Ups

KRISTIN DEROCHEMONT - "KL"

Co-Owner & Head Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course

AHS Heartsaver CPR AED Course

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Kristin was first introduced to CrossFit in 2013 when a friend used the word burpee to describe a movement in a workout. "I didn't even know what a burpee was so my friend demonstrated it and I was immediately intrigued!" At that time, Kristin was running 4-8 miles a day but wasn't quite getting what she was looking for. "I Googled CrossFit gyms in Tampa and was scheduled for an Intro Class that week. It was intimidating to show up alone but the CrossFit Community was so welcoming that I instantly felt at home." Over the last 8 years in the Sport of Fitness, Kristin has significantly improved in so many aspects of her life. "I am much more healthy, positive, motivated, and confident than I was when I first started. CrossFit is not just about looking physically fit (though this is a perk!), but its about building new relationships with both others and yourself, and proving you're capable of more than you think." Kristin is determined to prove others that CrossFit will positively impact your life both mentally and physically, and that Health & Fitness should be top priority in self-care. In December of 2018, Kristin and 3 others have built CrossFit Big Guava from the ground up in her very own neighborhood, Seminole Heights!

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Kristin was born and raised in Gardner, Massachusetts and is the youngest of 4.

She earned her Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree at IADT Tampa in 2010 with a major in Interior Design. 

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"Do something today that your future self will thank you for."

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FAVORITE WORKOUTS/LIFTS:

Lady: Jackie

Hero: Nate

Lift: Squat Snatch

Loves: Butterfly Chest-to-Bar Pull-ups

KATE PESSENDA - "SQUIRREL"

Co-Owner & Head Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course

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Kate was first introduced to CrossFit in August of 2012. She joined on a whim because the box offered
an additional class on Sunday for tough mudder training, which was on her bucket list to complete that
year (crossed off her list later that year). She quickly fell in love with the Sport of Fitness and never
turned back. “CrossFit just never gets boring. I am constantly learning something new or pushing myself
to the next level.” She enjoys competing with friends whenever possible. “Competing with my friends
and community is what it is all about! Supporting each other and reaching our fitness goals together.”
In December of 2018, she received her CrossFit Level-1 Training Certificate. She is looking forward to helping
people unlock their potential and maximize their fitness and health. In December of 2018, Kate and 3 others have built CrossFit Big Guava from the ground up in her very own neighborhood, Seminole Heights!

Kate was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. She is a graduate from the University of South Florida with a
bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science.

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“Don’t downgrade your dream just to fit your reality. Upgrade your conviction to match your destiny.”

FAVORITE WORKOUTS/LIFTS:
Lady: Cindy and Diane
Hero: Kalsu
Lift: Cluster

ZANE WILLARD

Launch Pad & Head Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course

AHS First Aid and CPR/AED Certified

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Zane was first introduced to CrossFit through random friends on social media. After years of not getting the desired results he wanted through traditional gym going, he decided on a whim that CrossFit, must be the answer. In August of 2017 he googled “CrossFit Gyms Near Me”, and sent the local gym an email and showed up for the intro class the next day, it’s been almost two years and he hasn’t turned back yet. At first it was just a workout regimen, but then the desire to get better, faster, stronger took over and he consumed himself with CrossFit. “What was meant to be something to do four or five days a week for an hour, has ultimately turned into my livelihood. I am a better version of myself everyday because of the community I have surrounded myself with and the desire I’ve built to keep chasing my goals.”

Zane came into health and fitness after being an obese 12 year old with high blood pressure and having to force himself to make lifestyle changes in order to avoid being on heart medication as a preteen. It’s been almost a decade later and this journey has gone from simply riding on a stationary bike in his basement as a preteen to now lifting barbells and gymnastics in his early twenties.

Zane is a native of Kernersville, North Carolina and the middle child of three. He moved to Tampa, Florida in 2017 to attend The University of Tampa where he earned a Bachelors in Economics and Communications, and is pursuing a Masters in Professional Communications.

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"In life, you gotta play the cards you're dealt, cause foldin' aint an option."

FAVORITE WORKOUTS/LIFTS:

Lady: Grace 
Hero: The Chief 
Lift: Clean 
Loves: Rowing

LINH NGUYEN

Launch Pad & Head Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course

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Linh was first introduced to CrossFit in 2017 while living in Atlanta. A friend convinced him to sign up for an on-ramp special after he injured his fingers rock climbing. Skeptical, he intended to only try CrossFit out for one month then go back to the global gym. It only took one month and being introduced to the CrossFit Open before Linh was drinking the kool-aid. “CrossFit gives me a chance to build friendships with people I normally wouldn’t meet. All while supporting each other as we strive to achieve our fitness goals. CrossFit is Community…”

Linh was born in Vietnam & raised in Ft. Walton Beach, FL, in the Florida Panhandle. He earned his bachelor's degree in Graphic Design & Advertising from the University of West Florida. 

“If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking.” Steve Jobs

FAVORITE WORKOUTS/LIFTS:

Lady: Linda

Hero: Murph

Lift: Snatch

Loves: Muscle-ups

SARAH STICKNEY

Launch Pad & Head Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course

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Sarah first stepped foot in a CrossFit gym in 2014 after being repeatedly invited by her husband and brother. After years of an on-again off-again relationship with fitness she jumped into her first free intro class and never looked back. She fell in love with the workouts, the hype and the people. “I had a rough start with fitness. I was over-weight since childhood and a CrossFit gym was really the last place I thought I would find myself. I wouldn’t even go to class if Jerry couldn’t make it that day. Eventually these strangers turned into some of my best friends and exercise became a pleasure instead of a chore.” Since then Sarah has made step-by-step improvements in her fitness, skills and overall well-being that have trickled down to huge changes. 

Sarah was born in Portsmouth, Virginia but has been living in Florida since 2003. She and her husband, Jerry, have been Seminole Heights neighbors since 2014. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from

The University of South Florida and currently works as a

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant and Surgical Assistant for an ophthalmologist. 

“Stick to the basics and when you feel you’ve mastered them it’s time to start all over again. Begin anew- again, with the basics- this time, paying closer attention.”

FAVORITE WORKOUTS/LIFTS:

Lady: Nancy

Hero: Holleyman

Lift: Squat Clean

Loves: Distance Running

JESS KREZMIEN

Head Coach

CrossFit Level 2 Trainer Certificate Course

Nutrition Coach & Owner of OPB Nutrition

Florida Grid League - Captain of the Tampa Bay Brigade

Collegiate Soccer & Rugby Player

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Jess started CrossFit by accident through a Groupon in 2013. It took one class and she never wanted to go back to a regular gym again. “I still remember my first workout. It was more challenging than anything I had done in a long time, and I thought ‘what just happened… and why do I want to do it again?’”  CrossFit’s unique style of fitness was what drew Jess in.  “After collegiate sports were over, I felt like I was missing part of my identity, and the Globo gym just wasn’t doing it for me anymore. I needed a challenge, something to work towards. I love how easy it is to track your progress over time with CrossFit, and that there is ALWAYS something new to try or improve on.”  She got her Level 1 Certification and started coaching in 2015, followed by her Level 2 in 2019. CrossFit has helped Jess grow, not just in her level of fitness and health, but it has allowed her to use her passion for helping others as a career.  “I have played sports and worked out my entire life, but I can say with 108% confidence, that I am the MOST fit and healthiest I have ever been, and that is largely due to CrossFit and the mindset shift it has given me. The focus in this community is what your body can DO, not what it looks like.” Jess’s favorite part about coaching is watching the members grow and achieve things they never thought possible.

“We are a true community! You just don’t get that in any other sport.”

Jess was born in Buffalo, New York, and moved to Florida in 2012. She graduated from Fredonia State University

with a Bachelor’s in Public Relations and a Minor in Exercise Science & Nutrition, and also from Canisius College

with a Master’s in Physical Education & Health. “Go Bills!”

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“The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit.”

FAVORITE WORKOUTS/LIFTS:

Lady: Ingrid / Fran

Hero: Hollyman     

Lift:  Hang Squat Clean

Loves: Burpees… Pistols… and Burpee Pistols

TYLER EISENBACHER

Head Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course

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Tyler was introduced to CrossFit in 2019 as a change up from the classic global gym routine. He grew familiar with CrossFit-esque workouts during quarantine performing “at home WODs” with his girlfriend as they challenged themselves with minimal equipment. Shortly thereafter Tyler became a member at CrossFit Big Guava and hasn't looked back since! “I was looking for a way to challenge myself both physically and mentally while being efficient with my time. CrossFit became a natural solution.” CrossFit is not only a great outlet for health, it is a fantastic community of supportive members.

“I instantly felt welcome in the Tree; feeling the support and drive from the other members to help everyone achieve their very best. Whether it was their first pull-up or getting a PR on a lift and everywhere in between. The community has the drive to better themselves and more importantly those around them as well.

It was exactly the type of environment I knew wanted to be a part of.”

Tyler is a native of Goshen, NY and attended the University of Buffalo for both undergraduate and graduate school. Tyler graduated in 2019 with his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. He moved to Tampa following graduation and is currently a Physical Therapist at Advanced Rehabilitation managing their USF location. He is also working towards achieving his CrossFit Level 1 coaching certification in Feb 2022. 

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“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand” 

-Vince Lombardi 

Lady: Diane 

Hero: Holleyman 

Lift: Deadlift

Loves: Rowing/Toes to Bar 

TAYLAR STALLINGS

Head Coach

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​Bio Coming Soon!

SEBASTIÁN DOUAIHI - "SEB"

Head Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course

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*Bio Coming Soon*

JAMES KENDIG - "JAMIE"

Head Coach

CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course

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*Bio Coming Soon*