Emma Friend

Growing up in an Army family that had a passion for sports and fitness, Emma was put into gymnastics at an early age. Her competitive gymnastics career spanned 10 years before a series of military moves forced a premature end, and she attended three different high schools on three different countries and continents (Seoul, South Korea; Evanston, IL; and Mons, Belgium) before graduating in 2020. Emma then moved herself to South Carolina to attend Clemson University and coached youth gymnastics in the evenings. Throughout college, Emma dabbled in lifting at the gym and taking spin classes. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Emma moved back home to Virginia and took a position as a Behavior Technician, working with children with Autism.  When her parents opened CrossFit 271, she was dragged to classes by her mom (Owner / Head Coach Kathy Friend) to help get the ball rolling. What started as going to two classes a week against her will became going 5-6 days a week and loving every minute of it. The variety of exercises, challenging techniques, and an atmosphere that pushed her to be better, made Emma feel like she was back in her gymnastics days. After 9 months of taking classes, Emma become a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, and is now able to continue her love of coaching. Emma will be applying to get her Master’s in Occupational Therapy and is training for the Army 10 Miler.

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