About Desert Devil CrossFit

Jeremy has been a CrossFit coach since 2012 and started Desert Devil CrossFit in 2015 with Juliet. He is originally from Illinois but traveled the world when he served in the Air Force for 22 years as an aircraft maintenance technician. The veteran now calls Las Cruces home with his wife Julie, and his parents. With his background, Jeremy likes almost anything with an engine, but has always been interested in fitness, lifting weights, and helping people. So here he is; doing all of the above. Jeremy’s goal is to help people recognize that it is possible to have a better relationship with themselves and assist. Jeremy’s favorite movements are Snatches and...150 calories on the Assault Bike for time?! Crazy!

Juliet started doing CrossFit around 2008 and obtained her Level 2 certification in 2015 when she and Jeremy opened Desert Devil CrossFit. Having 3 grown kids (and 4 granddogs), a CrossFit gym to help run, and a license in massage therapy, she is a very busy woman! Even with her full schedule though, she still finds time to read, cook, feed the people she loves, learn new things and enjoy the sunrise. Juliet has been a massage therapist since 2004 and has always been focused on all things healing, but that focus was catalyzed by CrossFit into a growth mindset and she wants that for everyone! Since then, she has made it her mission to help others learn how to take small steps to live the life they’ve dreamt of and deserve to live.

Judith has been a part of the Desert Devil CrossFit community since 2018, first as a member and then as a coach. She moved here to Las Cruces back in 2017 after finishing at Texas A&M with her husband and old doggo named Cotton. Judith enjoys baking, watching some good Aggies football, being nerdy with her husband through games like Magic the Gathering, and running marathons! Her favorite movements are squats because you never know how much stronger they make you until you do them! And that is part of why she came to DDCF: Judith loves being part of a community where people come to get stronger and add years of movement to their lives. She loves being a part of getting others to achieve their goals.

I was born in Artesia, New Mexico and grew up in Denver, Colorado before moving to Las Cruces in 2015. I currently own and operate The Bean, a local coffee shop, and have proudly served the Las Cruces community since 2017. Outside of the gym, I enjoy yoga, running and traveling. I started my journey at Desert Devil CrossFit in 2021. It became a lifeline challenge period with my mental health. CrossFit pushed me out of my comfort zone. Since then, Ive competed in two local CF competitions, ran two half-marathons and completed both 5K and 10K Spartan races. This experience led me to earn my CrossFit Level 1. Coaching lets me help others overcome the same obstacles I faced.

My favorite saying is, “You are stronger than you think you are.” My next goal is to earn my CrossFit Level 2 and continue helping others discover their strength, in and out of the gym.

Fun Fact: I love doing escape rooms and would consider myself an escape room enthusiast. I’ve done over 40, including some in other countries!

It’s a privilege to put on the coach’s shirt

CrossFit is for anybody, but not for everybody. I apply the same mindset to staff. Being a part of staff at CrossFit Salida is for anybody, but not for everybody. It's hard work to be a great coach. You have to be willing to do the work to get the results.

Introduction

Rick’s story is one of resilience, growth, and dedication to both his personal wellness and his community. From overcoming physical challenges to achieving new milestones in fitness and life, Rick continues to inspire and serve those around him.

Military Service and Recovery

Years of military service left Rick with persistent back and joint pain. In 2021, he discovered DDCF, where working alongside Coach Nat and Coach Judith enabled him to rebuild his strength and mobility. Today, Rick enjoys a pain-free lifestyle, aside from the occasional aches typical after a workout. His commitment to wellness led him to earn his CrossFit Level 1 certification, allowing him to begin coaching in January 2024.

Roots and Education

Born and raised in Las Cruces, Rick returned to his hometown after fulfilling his duties with the United States Marine Corps. There, he raised his daughter and pursued higher education, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Liberty University.

Family, Farming, and Community Service

Rick is married to Melissa, his best friend and fellow CrossFitter. Together, they cultivate their own food on a two-acre farmstead, raising fruit and nut trees as well as animals. This hands-on lifestyle serves as Rick’s personal approach to maintaining mental health. Beyond the farm, Rick is an ordained Pastor, serving his local church in multiple roles and supporting his community.

Passion for Fitness and Lifelong Learning

Rick’s favorite exercise movement is the wall-walk, and he has developed a strong passion for running. His pursuit of fitness knowledge is ongoing, and in 2026, he plans to earn his Burgener Strength certification, further advancing his knowledge and commitment to fitness education.

My family and I moved to Las Cruces in July, 2025 and the community and mountain views instantly felt like home. I became a coach at DDCF because of its energy and culture align perfectly with what I value - integrity, discipline and resilience. I’ve been training in CrossFit since 2011 and coaching for over five years, earning my CrossFit Level 2 Trainer certification along the way. My background in fitness began with the FBI defense Tactics Instructor Course, which led to years of teaching, mentoring and building wellness programs. I look up to Bruce Lee and Rich Froning for their balance of strength, humility and mastery of fundamentals.

Outside the gym, I’m usually on the soccer field cheering for my kids or exploring Las Cruces trails. I’m a proud New York Giant, Yankees and Juventus FC fan loyal through every season.

My goal as a coach is simple: to help people move better, perform better and build resilience in every aspect of life.

Santana was born and raised right here in Las Cruces. I joined DDCF because of the community. After meeting Coach Logan during onboarding, I knew I was in good hands. Everyone here is so uplifting and inspiring. I have a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and I’m a registered radiology technologist. I’ve taken many courses on strength and conditioning and recently earned my CrossFit L1. My biggest strength as a coach is uplifting my athletes. I aim to make each workout the best hour of their day with constant encouragement and support. Since I began coaching in October 2024, I’ve seen my athletes grow more confident and gritty. Their effort, intensity and belief in themselves has skyrocketed and I love it!

My goal is to help every athlete feel comfortable and confident, no matter their fitness level. You’ll always leave my class feeling better than when you walked in.

Fun fact: I played college softball (Centennial & Yavapai), love hiking and walks with my girlfriend and pup Oliver, and live by the mantra: “If it’s important to you, you’ll find a way.”