ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: LAKESHA

A story of courage, consistency, and the power of simply showing up

When I chose Lakesha as Athlete of the Month, it wasn’t because she lifts the heaviest weight or moves the fastest. It was because of something far more powerful: her heart, her consistency, her resilience, and her willingness to show up even when life makes it hard.

From the very first day I met her, I could see the mix of determination and intimidation in her eyes. CrossFit can look overwhelming — the barbells, the movements, the pace — and she felt that. But she didn’t run from it. She asked questions, she listened, and she trusted the process.

We talked about her injuries, her limitations, and how we could modify anything she needed. We swapped running for biking, adjusted movements, and found ways to keep her progressing without pain. And every time I tried to lighten her weights, she’d look at me and say:

“I got it, Steven.”

And she meant it.

She pushes herself not recklessly, but courageously — always wanting to learn, always wanting to grow, always wanting to see what she’s capable of. When she shows up, she gives 100% of whatever she has that day. Some days that’s a lot. Some days it’s a little. But she never cheats herself, and she never quits.

I’ve told her many times:

“As long as you show up, you’re already doing better than everyone sitting at home.”

And she lives that truth.

Her Journey: From Intimidation to Inspiration

Lakesha has battled weight challenges her entire life. She’s had ups, downs, setbacks, and restarts. As an adult, the weight kept climbing — not because she didn’t care, but because she didn’t yet have the mindset shift that would change everything.

She wasn’t unhappy with herself. She didn’t hate her body. But she wanted to protect her future. She wanted health. She wanted strength. She wanted longevity.

So she started working out in 2009/2010… and she hated it. Every second. But she kept searching for something she could stick with. Bootcamp was her first breakthrough — seeing people of all ages and fitness levels grinding together. Seeing people she once envied for their “genes” working harder than anyone else. Seeing their before pictures and realizing:

Everyone has to put in the work. Everyone starts somewhere.

That realization changed her life.

When her gym family moved to CCCF, she followed — even though CrossFit intimidated her all over again. But she stayed because of the community, the trainers, the modifications, the fist bumps, the high fives, and the feeling of belonging.

She made a promise to herself: Stay outside the comfort zone. Try new things. Keep growing.

CrossFit became part of that promise.

Her Fight: Health Battles That Would Stop Most People

Lakesha has faced serious health challenges — fibroids, anemia, swelling, pain, and two surgeries. The latest revealed a rare fibroid disease: hundreds of tumors attached to her organs, inoperable. The treatment causes bone pain, fatigue, joint stiffness, and more.

She researched the side effects and saw how debilitating they could be. But instead of letting fear take over, she made a decision:

Move while I can. Show up no matter what. Make it non-negotiable.

Long 10–12 hour workdays? She still shows up. Pain? She still shows up. Fatigue? She still shows up.

Because she knows the truth: Movement is medicine. Community is strength. Showing up is victory.

Her favorite verse, Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” gives her peace, power, and endurance.

Why She’s Our Athlete of the Month

Because she embodies what CCCF stands for.

Because she shows that fitness isn’t about perfection — it’s about persistence.

Because she proves that courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s walking into the gym anyway.

Because she reminds us that showing up is the hardest part, and she does it again and again.

Because she inspires every person who sees her grind through a workout, modify what she needs, and still give everything she has.

Because she is a living example of resilience, faith, and heart.

**Lakesha, your journey motivates us.

Your mindset inspires us. Your strength lifts us. And your presence makes CCCF better.**