Meet the coaches

Shelley Pearson
Affiliate Owner & CFL2 Coach
I started my CrossFit in December of 2017 and was probably in the worst shape of my life. I soon found out how amazing and supportive the community was and knew I had found something that I looked forward to coming to every day! At the end of 2021 I began feeling like I wanted to be able to lead and encourage others who may want to try it even if they dodn’t feel qualified to. This is a program for any and all fitness levels and I am so happy to be able to help others find a love for fitness just like I did!
Certifications
CrossFit Level 2
USAW Level 1
Contact Shelley: spearson@crossfitfuquay.com

Cliff Keller
CFL1 Coach
Since retiring from Army Special Forces in 2017, my overall fitness goals are centered on enjoying a dynamic lifestyle and participating in a wide range of high-energy activities with my friends and family for many years to come. Along these lines, my training focus has shifted towards improving durability and pursuing sustainable performance goals as I get older (though not always wiser). I have been very fortunate to work with some of the world’s best tactical athletes and trainers, and I look forward to working with you! -Ps144-
Certifications
CrossFit Level 1
Contact Cliff: jalbrecht@crossfitfuquay.com

Katia Murphy
CFL2 Coach
A native from Cuba, Katia has lived in NC since 2007. She has always enjoyed practicing sports, and maintaining an active life style. She started CrossFit in 2012, and not only became passionate about the sport but fell in love with the community. As a Coach, Katia loves helping people achieve their fitness goals while fostering a positive and supportive environment. She truly believes CrossFit is for everyone, and leads to having longer healthier lives. Katia’s educational background is sciences and business, and currently works in clinical research for a Pharmaceutical company. In her spare time, she loves traveling with her husband, and spoiling her Rhodesian Ridgeback Ecko.
Certifications
CrossFit Level 2
USAW Level 1
Contact Cliff: jalbrecht@crossfitfuquay.com

John Chambers
CFL1 Coach
My name is John Chambers. I have been in fitness for over 10 years teaching many different styles of exercise, and have been Personal training for 3 years. I am also veteran of the United States Air Force, and served stateside and abroad for 8 years. I started training myself with CrossFit off and on for about 10 years now. CrossFit has helped me tremendously with my strength, coordination, agility and mobility. With all of the success that I have found with CrossFit I became a Level 1 Trainer, and now I get to help others achieve their fitness goals. CrossFit is for everyone!

Taurean Stephens
CFL1 Coach
Originally from Lumberton NC. Tee has been serving in the US Army for 15 years. He started his CrossFit journey back in 2014, while developing functional fitness training for his Soldiers at Fort Hood. After moving to the Fuquay area in 2016 he joined his first box and has been doing CrossFit ever since. When he isn’t coaching he enjoys spending time with his family, and being a firearm instructor.
Contact Cliff: jalbrecht@crossfitfuquay.com

Yani Smith
CFL1 Coach
Originally from Puerto Rico, also known as “ La isla del encanto”. I found CrossFit in 2021 and became a CrossFit trainer in April 2022. Since then, chasing excellence as a trainer has been my number one goal. CrossFit is not only the fitness program I follow, but my passion. Even though I enjoy growing as an athlete myself, there is nothing I love more than seeing my athletes become better and stronger. My favorite Olympic lift is the snatch and I love the devil’s press. When I am not in the gym, I am a homeschool mom and I also enjoy doing Muay Thai and Brazilian jujitsu.
CrossFit Level 1
Contact Cliff: jalbrecht@crossfitfuquay.com

Taurean Stephens
Coach
Originally from Lumberton NC. Tee has been serving in the US Army for 15 years. He started his CrossFit journey back in 2014, while developing functional fitness training for his Soldiers at Fort Hood. After moving to the Fuquay area in 2016 he joined his first box and has been doing CrossFit ever since. When he isn’t coaching he enjoys spending time with his family, and being a firearm instructor.
Contact Cliff: jalbrecht@crossfitfuquay.com