Tell us about yourself:
I’m Mandi—I’m just a wife & mom just trying to keep it together & stay some kind of fit. I’m a homebody with granny vibes and a little sass. I love music, sports, reading, and anything arts & crafts. I run on family, friends, food, fitness & LOVE.
What do you do for a job?
I work with expelled youth from across the county at a community school, where I design behavior plans, programs, and incentives to support social-emotional growth and attendance. I love leading pro-social schoolwide events and small groups, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and community. I feel lucky to do this work at an amazing school alongside incredible students and colleagues who are my best friends.
Tell us something people might not know about you:
Some random things about me… I went to school for Deaf Studies and learned ASL (even though I don’t use it). I’m a big musical/Broadway fan and love to sing—mostly as a full-time car concert performer. I don’t do scary movies or spinach. I love astrology and will 100% ask what your sign is. Overall, I’m a pretty eclectic mix of interests and vibes.
What brought you to CrossFit in the first place?
I’ve always been interested in CrossFit-style workouts, but I struggled to stay consistent at a traditional gym. I’d often lose motivation—either from boredom or from having to constantly plan my own routines. Everything changed when a friend invited us to try an intro class at their gym. I loved the blend of strength training and cardio, and it was my first time exploring gymnastics movements and Olympic lifts. What keeps me coming back is that CrossFit is always changing—it keeps things challenging, engaging, and never boring.
What was your first impression? How has that changed?
I’m naturally pretty competitive, so I wasn’t intimidated at first—I just wanted to be as good as everyone else, and I wanted it fast. While that competitive drive is still there, I’ve learned over time that I’m really only competing with myself. It’s not about lifting the heaviest or going the fastest—it’s about improving my movement, technique, strength, and overall health.
What was your first “Bright Spot?”
My first bright spot actually had nothing to do with the workouts—it was the people. The connections my family and I made at the gym meant everything. I love the sport, but it’s really the coaches and the community that keep us coming back.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on not skipping or sandbagging any workouts with squats (definitely my weakest—and least favorite). Lately, I’ve been loving strict pull-ups and I’m chasing 10 unbroken. And I’m determined to get that dang bar muscle-up back!
What’s your favorite BeachSide CrossFit memory?
One of my favorite Beachside CrossFit memories is working out through my pregnancy and then coming back postpartum. The coaches were amazing at modifying workouts to keep everything safe and appropriate, and the love, support, and encouragement from both the staff and members was unmatched. They always say “it takes a village,” and I’m so grateful BSCF is a big part of my village.
