MEET THE TEAM
The CrossFit Big Guava Team actively pursues further education and experiences to provide the highest quality of coaching to the Guavas. Every Head Coach at CFBG has earned their CrossFit L-1 or L-2 Trainer Certificate in addition to accumulating over 18 years collectively of Coaching CrossFit classes.
Whether you have never lifted a barbell or you are a seasoned CrossFitter,
we are confident in our abilities to help you with your health and fitness goals!
DARREN DEROCHEMONT - "D"
Co-Founder & Head Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course
NASM Certified
Collegiate Football Kicker, Tulane University
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.
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you've imagined.”
FAVORITE WORKOUTS/LIFTS:
Lady: Diane
Hero: DT
Lift: Clean
Loves: Handstand Push Ups
KRISTIN DEROCHEMONT - "KL"
Co-Founder & Head Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course
AHS Heartsaver CPR AED Course
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!
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.
"Do something today that your future self will thank you for."
FAVORITE WORKOUTS/LIFTS:
Lady: Jackie
Hero: Nate
Lift: Squat Snatch
Loves: Butterfly Chest-to-Bar Pull-ups
ZANE WILLARD
Head Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course
AHS First Aid and CPR/AED Certified
Zane was first introduced to CrossFit through 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,” sent the local gym an email and showed up for the intro class the next day. That was 2017 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. However, the drive to continuously chase his goals wasn’t only in the gym, but that same passion has made him more active in his career and his relationships. “What was meant to be something to do four or five days a week for an hour, has ultimately turned into my lifestyle. I am a better version of myself every day 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 due to suffering from childhood obesity. At 12-years-old he was severely overweight and diagnosed with high blood pressure, forcing himself to make lifestyle changes as a preteen. Over a decade later and his journey has gone from simply riding on a stationary bike in his basement as a preteen to a lifestyle characterized by health and wellnes.
Zane is a native of Kernersville, North Carolina and the middle child of three. He moved to Tampa, Florida in 2016 to attend The University of Tampa where he earned a Bachelors in Economics, Communication, and Film & Media Arts. In 2023, Zane earned his Masters in Communication from the University of South Florida (USF). Today, Zane is an active scholar and teacher in the field of Communication and he is currently pursuing his PhD in Communication at USF with a focus in cultural approaches to health and organizing.
"In life, you gotta play the cards you're dealt, cause foldin' aint an option."
FAVORITE WORKOUTS/LIFTS:
Lady: Grace
Hero: Holleyman
Lift: Clean
Loves: Toes-To-Bar
LINH NGUYEN
Head Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course
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
Head Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course
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
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!”
“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
SEBASTIÁN DOUAIHI - "SEB"
Head Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course
Bio Coming Soon!
JAMES KENDIG - "JAMIE"
Head Coach
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certificate Course
Bio Coming Soon!