By day, C0lleen Kelly is an award-winning 5th grade teacher in the Biloxi School District and the head volleyball coach at St. Patrick Catholic High School. On her own time she plays volleyball, runs 5ks, duathlons, obstacle races and does CrossFit. Along with having the best traps in the gym, (really, have you seen them?) Colleen is an amazing all-around athlete and nice person. She has picked right up on all things CrossFit and is a master at double unders and weightlifting. The Beach Brawl will be her first time to compete in-person in CrossFit, but Colleen is no stranger to competition. Her background and experience as an All-Conference collegiate volleyball player at Millsaps College and competing and winning at USA Volleyball league tournaments has certainly enhanced her CrossFit skill development. More about Colleen:
How long have you been doing CrossFit?
I started in the Bandit CrossFit on-ramp class in March 2013. At the end of the on-ramp class I was suppose to start regular crossfit classes, but was delayed a little bit from a car accident involving a drunk driver.
Why did you choose to the do the Beach Brawl?
I went to watch my first competition in Mandeville, the Gulf Coast Games, at CrossFit Francos, not too long ago, and really wanted to compete. I finally got up the courage to just enter one to see how I would do compared to others in the area.
Why do you want to do CrossFit competitions?
Being a former high school and collegiate athlete, I have a very competitive side. I’m looking forward to seeing how I compare to others and how I compare to myself since first starting CrossFit. It will also let me know what areas I need to improve upon.
What are your goals in the Beach Brawl competition?
I’d like to finish in the top 10, and learn a little bit more about myself as a CrossFit competitor.
What movement do you hope to see?
Wall balls!!!! Or squats!
What movement do you not want to see?
Burpees and snatches
Why do you do CrossFit?
I do CrossFit to get stronger, faster, have more endurance, and to push myself. In addition to that, CrossFit is also beneficial for overall well-being/health, both mentally and physically. I enjoy how the CrossFit ways transfer over to all aspects of life.
Why Bandit CrossFit?
Bandit is like a family where the coaches and members genuinely care about each individual. The coaches are extremely knowledgeable and the overall camaraderie there is absolutely amazing. Everyone encourages, supports, and motivates each other to do their best each day.
Colleen (right) has never competed in a live CrossFit competition, but she did participate in the 2014 CrossFit Open. One of her best performances was the Open workout 14.3. (pictured with Kimberly Nguyen (left) as her judge.)
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