MEET THE WEST LA TEAM
Our motto is ‘Do More.’ We believe pushing yourself to your own personal limits is how you get a little bit better. We are here to help you become the strongest and best version of yourself.
MEET THE OWNER
Jessica McCoy, CEO
Jessica McCoy (Head Coach) was collegiate Division 1 Rower and started CrossFit shortly after college. Competing at the Regional Level from 2010-2016 and competing at the CrossFit Games in 2013 on Paradiso CrossFit’s Team. Through this experience Jess learned that though she loves to compete, she loves coaching and programming even more. She programmed for Group Class and the competitive team at Paradiso CrossFit from 2016-2021 and will continue to bring her programming expertise to the West LA Athletics team.
Jess believes in the CrossFit methodology that our needs differ by degree not kind. This means an elite athlete and a grandma can participate in the same class with the same programming but one may be working on squatting to a chair while the other may be doing back squat reps at 300 pounds. These experiences create community and belonging and the push of seeing others work hard makes all of us just a little bit better.
MEET THE TEAM
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JANYCE OKAMOTO
CrossFit + Weightlifting Coach
Originally from middle Tennessee, Janyce went from being a nationally ranked figure skater to competitive CrossFitter. She has competed at National events since 2017 and placed 1st in the 2021 USA Weightlifting Nationals in her weight class. Her love of competing is evident, but more so, her love of coaching and helping people reach goals, fine tune technique, and discover a love of fitness has truly developed into one of her biggest passions. Janyce holds certifications in USAW, Crossfit, and NASM, specializing also in youth fitness with 16 years of experience working with youth athletes.
ANDREW WARWICK
CrossFit + Weightlifting Coach
Andrew is a strength and conditioning coach with a degree in Nutrition and Fitness from San Diego State University. His fitness Journey began at the age of 12, when his brothers took him to 24 hour fitness to begin strength training for football. At 20 he acquired his first personal training certification through ISSA (international sports science association) and became a trainer at LA Fitness. Over the years Andrew has held certifications in USAW, NSCA, CSCS, Crossfit, Gravity, Boxing, and TRX Training. He’s worked with NFL players, UFC fighters, Hollywood celebrities, and just your everyday person trying to make life changes. Besides helping people reach their goals, Andrew played football at a collegiate level and in 2016 was ranked #1 CrossFit Athlete in Los Angeles. Whether you want to increase your athletic performance, your physique, or just your overall well being, he's got you covered.
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LACEY FEMA
CrossFit Coach
From rural Wisconsin, Lacey grew up active in the outdoors and multiple sports. In 3rd grade, Lacey started playing ice hockey, going on to receive honorable state mentions throughout high school. During high school she also did Track & Field, making two appearances at state, competing in the 800m relay and pole vaulting.
In 2017, Lacey found CrossFit; quickly her joy and slight obsession for the sport of fitness put her on a path to sharing her love through coaching. When she moved to Los Angeles in 2018 she began coaching Strength and Conditioning full-time along with competing in local Powerlifting and CrossFit competitions. Since then, she has sought out improving her craft by continuing to find more ways to bring fitness to those around her. Lacey carries certifications from USAW and CrossFit L2, and has attended numerous other functional fitness seminars in Strongman, Powerlifting and from Power Athlete.
CHRIS MINOR
CrossFit Coach
Chris has a B.S. Exercise Science from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and is CrossFit and USAW (weightlifting) certified. Growing up in a military family meant traveling and moving a lot. Chris Minor was born in Alaska and has lived in 8 different states. He grew up in a very active family and has 2 brothers, one older (Tom) and one younger (Isaac). Growing up with them meant a lot of sports which made him very competitive. Chris saw the Crossfit Games on TV one day and decided to check it out. He would do his football workouts and then look at the WOD on the main site to finish strong. He has been doing Crossfit competitively for 6 years but has been doing those main site workouts for about 10 years now. He loves dogs, being outdoors, and working with people to help them achieve their goals. His dream is to one day own his own gym and to live closer to the beach wherever he is.
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STEVE SUDDELL
Mobility Coach + Physical Therapist
Steve is a licensed physical therapist and certified athletic trainer in the state of California. He graduated in 2007 from the University of Central Florida and from the University of St. Augustine with his Clinical Doctorate of Physical Therapy with high honors in 2009. Since then, Steve has specialized in working with athletic populations including high school, college, and professional athletes. Whether it's returning athletes back to their respected sports or getting Crossfit athletes over their aches and pains, Steve is passionate about helping people get back to the things they love doing. His extra certifications include: Graston level 1 certified, Crossfit level 1 trainer, and CPR/AED certified.
ERIKA GASZTONYI
Specialty Class Instructor
Erika Gasztonyi is a strength, mobility and gymnastics coach. She has coached CrossFit, is a Yoga instructor and has a new found passion teaching glute strength based work. She can do more than your basic party trick on her hands and can do over a 500 pound hip thrust. After a few years training with Glute Lab owner Bret Contreras she has gained a vast knowledge in glute strength training and is excited to bring that knowledge to West LA Athletics
MELISSA DRAKE
Head of Operations
Melissa has over 10 years of experience guiding workplace operations, facilities management, and creating engaging culture at some of the largest media companies in the world. She thrives in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple projects and priorities, always with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. She prides herself on keeping operations running smoothly, getting her hands dirty and problem solving, without skipping a beat. While she is new to focusing on fitness, she is excited for the challenge - but for now, still HATES burpees, LOVES rowing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What membership options do you have?
We have month to month memberships or 3, 6, 12 month packages available. See our membership details HERE.
Do you offer discounts to LEO and first responders?
Yes! Please email info@westlaathletics.com for more information.
Can I pause my membership?
We allow two pauses per year as long as they are over 2 weeks long. You may pause for any reason. Please email info@westlaathletics.com to pause.
Is your gym for everyone or only athletes and fit people?
Our gym is for EVERYONE! No matter your current fitness level. Please email Jess@westlaathletics.com for a free 1 on 1 trial.
Do you offer Open Gym?
Yes, we do offer Open Gym. You must sign into Open Gym just as you would sign into a class.
Do you offer a Free Trial?
Yes, we offer a free trial class to potential new members. Please click the link at the top of the page to sign up. If you are visiting from out of town, please purchase a drop in class.
Does the gym have showers?
We have two showers, two outdoor ice baths and an outdoor sauna. As we expand, we plan to add more.
Can anyone just join your gym and show up to class?
No. We do have a required intro process for membership. This helps us get to know you, but also helps you enter our community and make sure West LA Athletics is the best fit for you! Please email Jess@westlaathletics.com to sign up for your free intro.
Do you offer discounts for family members?
Yes! Please email info@westlaathletics.com for more information.
What is your drop-in policy?
We do offer drop ins for experienced athletes only. 1+ year of CrossFit experience needed to drop in. Please click HERE to find the drop in sign up.
Do you offer personal training?
Yes! All of our trainers offer personal training, please email jess@westlaathletics.com to get connected with a trainer for personal training and/or nutritional coaching.
What platform do you use to track workouts?
We use Wodify - download the app to view WODs, track your workout performance, book class reservations, update billing information, etc. Please email info@westlaathletics.com for any questions for setting up or using the app.
CrossFit, functional fitness and speciality classes serving the West Los Angeles area
