about
THE SoLa CrossFit STORY
Dave Appel - OWNER
Dave Appel is the Founder and Head Coach of SoLa CrossFit. After receiving a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a short stint as a physical education teacher, Dave followed his passion and worked in fitness for over 20 years. At the helm of SoLa CrossFit since day one, Dave has been on a mission to create the most exceptional CrossFit in Austin. Delivering outstanding, form specific coaching in a friendly and inclusive environment. Austin Fit Magazine has voted Dave one of Austin’s Best CrossFit Coaches twice and one of Austin’s 10 Fittest.
OUR coaches
Waleed Alqadi
COACH
Level 1 CrossFit Trainer
Coach Waleed has been doing CrossFit for over 7 years. He is passionate about watching people push themselves and prove they can do more than they ever thought. His favorite movement to train is the Snatch. Waleed has amazing, calming energy and really knows how to make athletes feel comfortable. That combined with his vast technical knowledge enables him to be an amazing trainer for both new and experienced athletes.
Dave Appel
OWNER & HEAD COACH
Level 2 CrossFit Trainer
Voted one of the Best CrossFit Coaches in Austin twice, Dave Appel has a lifetime of experience in fitness. He holds a B.S. in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois and has been coaching CrossFit for over 8 years. He is passionate about creating a space where everyone can feel comfortable pushing themselves towards their personal fitness goals. His favorite movement to train is the Thruster.
Rudy Rodriguez
COACH
Level 1 CrossFit Trainer
Rudy has been doing CrossFit for 3.5 years. He loves coaching because he loves watching people do things they never thought they could do. Watching an athlete accomplish a goal and seeing the smile and joy on their face is THE reason he coaches! His favorite movement to train is the Clean & Jerk. Rudy brings an energy and creates a class atmosphere that allows everyone in his class to have fun.
Jess Appel
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Robert Montoya
Level 1 CrossFit Trainer
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Nutrtion
Coach
Robert been doing CrossFit for two years and functional fitness for about four. He loves coaching because he loves seeing athletes find more of their true potential, especially when they get that "Ah-ha!" moment and a new skill or technique clicks. His favorite movement to train is probably the back squat but the Olympic lifts are also really fun to coach. When not in the gym Robert is an avid reader and has actually collected every printed piece by Kurt Vonnegut.