Coach Carolyn Joins the 12L Staff
February 4, 2025
Coach Carolyn
Certifications: CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Dynamic Stretch Specialist, NCSF-CPT (in progress)
Member Since: December/2024
Coaching Since: April/2023
Favorite Movement: Strict handstand pushups
Favorite WOD: Annie, fast and fun! (when doubles are doubling)
Favorite Workout Gear (i.e tape, belt, grips, wrist wraps, etc).
Knee sleeves! Game-changer for squatting, walking lunges suck less, and good protection for rope climbs.
Born and Raised: Born - Holland, the Netherlands. Raised - Columbia, Maryland
Favorite Food: Japanese hibachi or sushi
Favorite TV Show/Movie: The Vampire Diaries or Schitts Creek/The Hunger Games series
Hobbies: reading/journaling, exploring new coffee shops, brunch and brewery outings on a nice day out
Hidden Talent: I have been told that I am really good at writing/expressing thoughts with words.
Athletic Background: I tried almost every sport in high school. Field hockey was the only one that clicked, but I didn’t pursue it post high school. I participated in pick-up sports here and there, but nothing consistent before CrossFit.
Long Answer (2-3 sentences)
Favorite 12 Labours Memory: This past Resolution Games, Elena and I were dancing around 4th place leading up to the final event: Tortoise vs. Hair. (let’s just say I am a Tortoise) The pressure to “send it” for the podium spot had me shaking in my boots, but we had ironically landed 3rd in that event and 3rd overall. When the results came in, I screamed, jumped for joy, and immediately located Elena to share the great news with an extra-enthusiastic jumping hug.
Occupation: Marketing Specialist. I worked for a digital marketing agency for almost three years and have been freelancing and contracting since.
Interesting Fact: I told myself I would never move back to Maryland when I left the state to attend Virginia Tech for college. Returning home was the best decision I have ever made and greatest joyful surprise, in-part largely for the ever-evolving close relationships that I keep developing here.
Why do I coach? I coach CrossFit for greater access to the members and an ability to build close connections with athletes. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a movement “click” for someone. Supporting their growth with front row seats to all the action is a big privilege for me.
Miscellaneous - Add a custom question “What is one language you would choose to have automatically downloaded into your brain”
I am half-Turkish, and would love the opportunity to communicate with some family who live there. However, I have always dreamed of spending a few months in the Netherlands, where I was born. I would have to pick Dutch.
MORE RECENT POSTS
Move, Sweat, and Give Back: Pinked Perspective Workout at 12 Labours Annapolis On Saturday, October 18, 12 Labours Annapolis District is proud to host a special Pinked Perspective workout to support women facing breast cancer. We’re opening our doors to the community with free classes at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM — everyone is welcome! This event is more than just a workout. It’s a chance to move, sweat, and give back to a cause that touches so many lives. Participants are encouraged to join us in collecting monetary donations and Breast Cancer Kit supplies via our Amazon Wish List (click here) , helping Pinked Perspective, Inc. provide care and comfort to those who need it most. About Pinked Perspective, Inc. Pinked Perspective, Inc. is an Anne Arundel County-based non-profit, founded in 2011 by a young mom and breast cancer survivor. The organization supports those facing breast cancer through cancer care kits, workshops, and mentoring, offering practical help and emotional encouragement during a challenging time. At 12 Labours, we believe in the power of community — and this event is a perfect example. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just looking for a fun, meaningful way to start your day, this workout gives you the chance to make a difference while moving your body. Event Details: When: Friday, October 18 Times: 7:00 AM & 8:00 AM Where: 12 Labours Annapolis District Cost: Free for all participants Sign Up: Click HERE Join us in supporting Pinked Perspective, connecting with your community, and celebrating strength — both in the gym and in life. 💖
🏒 7th Annual Slapshot Regatta – November 8th | Columbia District Get ready for one of the most exciting traditions of the year — the Slapshot Regatta is back! On November 8th, the Columbia District will host our 7th annual showdown, where each district will battle it out for the right to claim the Golden Lion. ⚙️ What is the Slapshot Regatta? This isn’t your average rowing event. Each district lines up 10 rowers to rack up as many meters as possible in 60 minutes. But every 5 minutes, the action heats up — 5 athletes from each gym step off the rower to take their shot on goal. The team with the most successful slapshots earns a major advantage — an extra rower for the next 5-minute period to boost their district’s total meters. Strategy, endurance, and teamwork all collide in this fast-paced, high-energy competition. When the hour ends, the district with the most total meters wins the honor of housing the Golden Lion statue for the next year. 📅 Event Details Date: Saturday, November 8th Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Location: 12 Labours Columbia – 9017 Red Branch Rd, Suite A How to Join: Reserve your spot in Wodify 🍂 After-Event Fun: Fall Food Cook-Off We’re keeping the competition (and the good vibes) rolling after the regatta with a Fall Food Cook-Off! Bring your favorite seasonal dish — from hearty chili to spiced pumpkin pie — and compete for bragging rights. 🏆 The top 3 dishes, as voted by the districts, will win prizes! 🦁 Golden Lion Champions 2024: Annapolis District – 149,774 meters 2023: Columbia District – 158,165 meters 2022: Annapolis District – 150,006 meters 2021: Columbia District – 139,522 meters 2020: Annapolis District – 126,476 meters 2019: Annapolis District – 133,661 meters Who will take home the Golden Lion this year? We’ll find out November 8th. Bring your grit, your shot, and your best fall recipe — and let’s make this the best Slapshot Regatta yet.
With every event we get stronger — physically and mentally. Our experiences and lessons learned shape all facets of our team, training, and coaching. This weekend’s regional event did not disappoint. As a coach, I learned how to be a better advocate for our athletes. As a team, we learned that big meets (500 lifters!) bring a whole new level of energy and challenges we hadn’t quite experienced before. The team also showed up on the platform and put PRs and strong totals on the board. Mallory faced a potentially derailing miss on her bench, but she fought back and nailed her third (a fourth attempt), finally hitting the long-chased platform PR — 67.5kg, a 5kg PR! Squat: 105kg / 232lb Bench: 67.5kg / 149lb Deadlift: 125kg / 276lb Total: 297.5kg Alanna started her day with a PR squat opener and never looked back, capping it off with a monstrous 140kg deadlift — a 7.5kg PR! Squat: 110kg / 243lb Bench: 70kg / 154lb Deadlift: 140kg / 309lb Total: 320kg — Qualifying her for 2026 Nationals and taking 1st in her division. Lulu had a fantastic day on her comeback, building back to pre-op numbers and pulling an impressive 370kg total. Squat: 132.5kg / 292lb Bench: 67.5kg / 149lb Deadlift: 170kg / 375lb Total: 370kg — Qualifying her for 2026 Nationals and earning 1st in her division. Way to go team! Now it’s time for some well-earned rest before Women of Power in November and everything 2026 has in store for us.
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