Since 2014

About Us

We are a friendly, family-owned small business building a community around functional fitness, education, and nutrition in Madison, WI.

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FRIENDLY COACHES

BARRETT D

I started my fitness career at a young age. I participated in football and baseball in high school and was captain of my college football team. I earned a BS in Physical Education and Health in 2010 and taught high school PE for just under 5 years. When I lived in Milwaukee, I lived a block from a CrossFit gym and soon after starting up as a member, I quickly realized that was where I wanted to be. I left teaching and moved to Madison to open CrossFit Big Dane in June of 2014!

Fun Fact: I was in choir in High School – A Tenor! And as a dad, I love singing to my kids! 🙂

BRANDON K

I’m passionate about helping people, not just in the gym, but in all aspects of life. I want to help as many people as I can better themselves to live the life they’ve always wanted.

I participated in track and field at University of Wisconsin Madison before becoming a CrossFit coach. After a year of CrossFitting, I fell in love with the technical aspects of movement. I found that I had a good eye for assessing people’s movement, and being someone that loves to teach others, coaching almost came as second nature.

I have the following certifications: CF-L1, CF-L2, CrossFit Sport Specific Application

SAMANTHA D

I found CrossFit back in 2011 and have been doing it ever since! I have been coaching at BDC back when it was CrossFit Big Dane when I received my CF-L1 certification in 2016, and my CrossFit Kids Specialty Certification in 2018. By day, I am an Occupational Therapist and by night, I am a CrossFit Athlete, human/dog/cat mom. Personally, I enjoy all aspects of CrossFit because everyone is there to learn, better themselves, and have fun!

Andy d

I started Crossfit at 34 and have worked to keep up with my two boys. Eight years later, I am still able to run, hike, snowboard, and enjoy any activity they throw at me. My favorite movements are the Olympic lifts and other functional work with odd objects.

Fun fact: I teach art outside the gym and love how my fitness helps me have the strength to move pottery wheels, 50 pound bags of clay, and other heavier projects.

Julie G

I was always active as a dancer growing up, but never had interest in strength training or athletics. It wasn’t until my late 30s, after seeing my health and strength steadily decline through adulthood, that I tried CrossFit. I was surprised to find I was soon addicted to the joys of lifting heavy, sweating hard, and celebrating wins at every stage in a supportive community. When I did the first pull-up of my life at age 40 – something I’d assumed from childhood that I would never, ever be able to do – I realized there was something truly special here. So it felt natural to earn my CF-L1 in 2024 to help others find their intensity and celebrate their progress, too. Because of my own fitness journey, I’m passionate about helping everyone, in every body, to get fitter at every age – and to stop underestimating themselves in fitness and in life.

When I’m not at the gym or working on my software business, I love reading, playing board games with my husband and two kids, traveling, and drinking too many cold brews at cozy coffee shops.

Celine N

I’ve been a dual-sport athlete my entire life, splitting my time between swimming and golfing. When I retired from competitive swimming after college, I struggled with maintaining fitness without sport. Flip-flopping between HIIT training and powerlifting, I started integrating MetCons and CrossFit principles into my fitness regimen.

I’ve been a CrossFit fan since 2016—watching every documentary, following athletes, and keeping up with competitions—but it wasn’t until I moved to Madison in September 2024 that I finally joined my first box at Big Dane. The community and environment was better than I could have imagined and I pursued my CF-L1 in November 2024. For me, coaching is about building strong connections, bringing energy to every class, and creating a space where athletes are inspired to push their limits.

When I’m not sneaking in extra training or dancing between sets, you’ll find me binging TV shows, hosting a dinner party, or planning my next travel adventure.

Fun Facts:

-I’ve travelled over 300,000 flight miles around the world in the last seven years.

-I once finished a plate of fettuccine alfredo at Olive Garden in less than 2 minutes.

-I read PubMed articles on dermatology and exercise science in my free time.

Mark M

Moving to Madison in 2019, I was looking for a Crossfit community that matched my previous gym. I quickly found the same motivation, results and support at Crossfit Big Dane. After 9 years of CF experience, I received my CF-L1 in February of ‘22 and I love seeing athletes give it their all every day. I have two great kids, a lazy dog and an amazing wife!

Fun Fact: I am CF Big Dane’s resident heavy-metal expert.

Joey S

I was introduced into the CrossFit community shortly after joining the Air National Guard in 2011. No matter where I was in the world, the CrossFit community has brought me a close connection to friends and a sense of belonging. In 2017 I moved to Madison WI for a full time position with the 115th Fighter Wing. As I continued my commitment to CrossFit, I finally decided to get my CF-L1 in July 2021. Shortly after that I started coaching here with Big Dane Collective. I love bringing my charismatic personality to class as a coach and member. Watching members commit to a healthy lifestyle and achieve their goals is one the best feelings for me as a coaching professional.

Fun fact: I also instruct snowboarding lessons and have a Rottweiler Sansa who takes up most of my time.

Andrew K

I started CrossFit in 2019 when a friend convinced me it would be great for my fitness, health, and overall wellness. I haven’t looked back since and turned my passion for participating into coaching, receiving my CF-L1 certificate in 2022. My favorite part of coaching is interacting with the athletes and watching them as they grow, improve and become more proficient at all the CrossFit movements.

libby K

I grew up playing basketball and riding horses, so being active has always been a major part of my life. In my mid-twenties I was getting really tired of making up my own gym routines and I started to dread the whole treadmill thing. After learning about CrossFit through a friend in 2015, I tried it. The amazing community and learning to lift heavy things in a multitude of ways really stole my heart. I earned my CF-L1 in December of 2022, and plan to continue my CF education in the years to come! Outside of the gym, I enjoy hiking/spending time outside, riding motorcycles and drinking good coffee.

Fun Fact: For the past four years I’ve worked with GOWOD Mobility when they took over Big Dane, and then at a gym in Fort Worth, TX for the week of the CrossFit Games. I have been lucky to meet and coach CrossFitters of all levels from across the globe!

AMY N

I discovered CrossFit while mobilized with my Army Reserve unit in 2012 and have been hooked ever since. As a life-long distance runner, I appreciate the strength and mobility CrossFit adds to my overall fitness. As an extrovert, I appreciate the friendliness and community that CrossFit cultivates! After ten years of WODs I decided I wanted to share my love of CrossFit with others; I earned my CF-L1 in December of 2022 and began coaching in early 2023. As an older athlete, my goal is to encourage and inspire our athletes to remain active and healthy as they age.

Fun Fact: I am a mother of four and grandmother of two!