I am Sam. I like to accomplish goals. I also enjoy coaching others to identify and construct plans to reach their goals.
Coach Sam
Salty Dog Athletics started in 2016 as a small garage gym—a whiteboard, shared equipment, and a group of family and friends working hard together. My fitness journey began during a combat tour in Afghanistan, where I was introduced to CrossFit. Inspired by its effectiveness, I earned my CrossFit Level 1 Trainer certification in 2017 to better coach those around me. What started as free driveway workouts quickly grew into a full-time passion, leading to the construction of our 900 sqft backyard gym.
Today, our mission remains the same: to provide personalized, results-driven coaching in a welcoming community. Our members—parents, teachers, veterans, retirees—aren’t just clients; they’re family. We train hard, push each other, and celebrate every win.
With a background in coaching sports, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and additional certifications in CrossFit specialties, I take a holistic approach to fitness. As a Navy combat veteran, I understand the value of discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Functional fitness and whole-food nutrition transformed my own health, helping me manage hypertension and improve my quality of life—and I’m committed to helping others do the same.
I’ve been married to my wife Nicole for over 25 years, and together, we continue to grow the Salty Dog community. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced athlete, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Join us and start building a stronger, healthier you.