Coaches Spotlight on one of our star coaches here at CFCA; Jillian Scola! Coach Jillian is a favorite face and smile here at CrossFit Cape Ann. Members know that when they come to one of her classes, not only will they get exceptional coaching, but they may also get a laugh from one of her funny stories. It's never a dull moment with Coach Jill!
What is your fitness background? What were you doing before CrossFit?
Softball player extraordinaire. Shocking, I know! Gloucester High School Hall of Fame - Inductee Class of 2015, baby!
I've always been fairly active. Played three sports in high school until specializing in softball my junior year. After playing in college at Seton Hall, I tried everything from BodyCombat to Pilates but didn't find a home until I found CFCA.
What were your thoughts after your first CrossFit workout?
I wanted to die. Who knew 7 minutes of work would be so difficult. Woof. CFCA was exactly what I was looking for. Competition. Fitness. Community. It was the perfect fit!
How did you get into CrossFit?
My buddy, Dan, owns Crossfit Full Potential in Newburyport. I actually started doing CrossFit-type workouts in a garage in Natick with a few of my former co-workers, who also happened to be professional baseball players. I was hooked!
What were your goals when joining CrossFit?
I just wanted to look better naked. :)
I had a few other goals too. I wanted to feel better about myself. Maybe even try a few local CF competitions. I also knew I eventually wanted to start coaching at CFCA.
Have you achieved any of those goals?
Definitely! Passing my L1 for the first time was super exciting! Completing the Blackburn Challenge and having Ben waiting at the beach for me when we finished was really special. Without CFCA, I would have never had the courage to train for an amateur boxing match. Stepping in the ring was a moment I'll never forget. I quickly realized that getting punched in the face really wasn't for me!
Favorite WOD: Anything EMOM
Least Favorite WOD: Kelly
Favorite Lift: Hang Power Clean
Least Favorite Lift: No question here - OHS
What music do you prefer to WOD out to?
I LOVE old school rap. The Rocky soundtrack also gets my heart pumping.
Do you have any special memories/achievements during your time here?
I've been a part of this community for a long time. There really are too many to list. But here are a few:
Olympic Lifting Certification with world famous Mike Burgener.
Completing the Blackburn Challenge.
Finishing 2nd at Nor'easter Throwdown Team Competition
Finishing 6th at Not Your Average Joe's Team Competition
Most importantly - meeting some of my best friends!
What advice do you have for people just getting started?
Just show up! Walking through the door is the hardest part.
Something that members might not know about you.
I'm pretty much an open book! Not only am I charming and cute (and modest!) I'm wicked smart! I have a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and a Master's Degree in Journalism.
Oh - and I'm ambidextrous! I write left-handed but do mostly everything else right-handed.