About Us
MEET OUR
Friendly Coaches
“The coaches do a great job structuring the classes, with a focus on community. The community is extremely inviting and a mix of all abilities, ages and interests.”
-David Williamson
Barrett
ABOUT BARRETT
Barrett started his fitness career at a young age. He participated in football and baseball in high school and was captain of his college football team. Barrett earned a BS in Physical Education and Health in 2010 taught high school PE for just under 5 years. When lived in Milwaukee, they lived a block from a CrossFit gym. After starting up as members, Barrett quickly realized this was where he wanted to be. He left teaching and moved to Madison to open CrossFit Big Dane in June of 2014.
Brandon
ABOUT BRANDON
Brandon is 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,” he says.
Brandon participated in track and field at University of Wisconsin Madison before becoming a CrossFit coach. After a year of CrossFitting, he 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.”
Brandon has the following certifications: CF-L1, CF-L2, CrossFit Sport Specific Application
Samantha
ABOUT SAMANTHA
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!
Sydney
ABOUT SYDNEY
Sydney was introduced to CrossFit when she joined a local box in her senior year of high school. After playing both tennis and softball in high school, Sydney wanted to find a way to stay active. Immediately, she found a love for the community embedded in the CrossFit culture. “There are very few communities that encourage you to challenge yourself and continue to better yourself like those in CrossFit.”
When Sydney left to attend college at UW-Madison, she missed having a CrossFit gym to be a part of. “I could feel something was missing when I was working out by myself.”
In her Sophomore year at UW-Madison, Sydney joined Big Dane Collective searching for the sense of community she had been missing. “After being away from a ‘true’ CrossFit gym, then joining Big Dane, it was as if I found a whole new purpose in fitness. CrossFit is more than your score, it’s about all the members who advocate for your health- both in and out of the gym. CrossFit is about working towards a common goal.”
Andy D
ABOUT ANDY
I had never really done any weight lifting until about six years ago when I went with my wife (Cassie) to a bootcamp and realized how weak I was and decided to get stronger and joined a crossfit gym. I enjoy working out and especially like the Olympic lifts. My wife has now joined me in crossfit and our two boys, ages 13 and 10, often comment on us going to the gym all the time. We have one doggo who is a rescue named Penny. On the weekends we are often busy with kid activities, but enjoy the odd obstacle race, geocache hike, and backyard fire.
Andy S
ABOUT ANDY
I have always been active growing up, and I found CrossFit in 2018, when my girlfriend at the time encouraged me to join. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the community CrossFit offered, and the ability to compete with every workout! I received my CF-L1 certification in Summer of 2021 and started coaching shortly after. By day, I work for GE Healthcare as an Engineer in Supply Chain, and by night, I am a CrossFit athlete, husband, and dog dad to an English Bulldog. I enjoy being a part of CrossFit, as it allows me to be active in a fun and diverse environment. I have also spent the last few years volunteering at the CrossFit Games, and the energy is incredible!