OUR TEAM
Meet our enthusiastic team!
Jos van Essen
Owner/CrossFit Level 2 head coach
Meet Jos, co-owner and Level 2 Head Coach at CrossFit Daadkracht!
Jos is the driving force behind the gym, ensuring everything runs smoothly. His journey to CrossFit wasn't a straight path; it was a long road of trying different sports. He started with soccer, then moved on to general fitness, and discovered obstacle running. Ultimately, it was CrossFit that provided the right challenge for him. "It challenges me in so many more areas, not just physically, but mentally too," Jos says.
What motivates Jos the most? "It's amazing to see people get better every day. As a coach, I can help others break through their own limits and become stronger."
His specialty? Gymnastics, especially anything related to core strength! And his favorite exercise? The rope climb. "It always provides a great challenge, both physically and mentally."
Jos has a clear goal: to always get better in every aspect of CrossFit and pass this on to others through coaching. "I want to help people be their best selves and guide them in their growth."
Fun Facts about Jos:
- Favorite exercise: Anything with a weighted vest on.
- Coffee? After the workout!
- Strength or cardio? Strength training above all.
- Pull-ups or push-ups? Pull-ups!
- Pre-workout snack? Sweet.
- Deadlift or squat? Deadlift is his choice!
Ronald de Mol
Owner
Meet Ronald, co-owner and the organizational mastermind behind CF Daadkracht! From member administration and social contact to handling maintenance work and odd jobs around the gym, Ronald makes sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. And he doesn't do it alone: "I'm always incredibly happy with all the help the members and coaches provide."
How His CrossFit Journey Began
In 2014, Ronald was involved in building a new CrossFit gym for his job. His curiosity piqued, he decided to become a member right away. After a three-year break, he has now been a fan of the CrossFit concept for 11 years. "Before I started, I didn't like sports at all. I should have discovered CrossFit much earlier!"
What Makes Working at CF Daadkracht So Great?
Ronald enjoys the atmosphere in the gym and gets the most satisfaction from training with others. "Being a coach isn't for me, but participating in the gym is the most fun." His absolute favorite is the Snatch, especially a heavy 1RM Squat Snatch where everything comes into perfect balance. In addition, Clean & Jerk and benchmarks are his favorite challenges because they are a perfect way to track progress.
Ronald wants to stay fit as he gets older. Of course, he has dreams like a bodyweight snatch or gymnastic movements like handstand push-ups and ring muscle-ups, but his priority is to keep moving and keep up with the younger guys in the gym. "Nothing is more satisfying than passing a young guy!"
Fun Facts about Ronald:
- Favorite movement: Squat Snatch
- Coffee? Always before the workout!
- Workout time? Evening workouts are his favorite.
- Cardio or strength? A mix of both, the best of both worlds.
- Pull-ups or push-ups? Pull-ups.
- Pre-workout snack: Sweet!
Rowan Baars
Owner/CrossFit Level 1 coach
Meet Rowan, a co-owner of CrossFit Daadkracht and a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, who also works as an English teacher at a high school. Behind the scenes, she is busy managing the website, social media, and merchandise.
Her athletic journey began as a child, from jazz ballet to volleyball, but her true passion was ignited by Jiu Jitsu. After earning her second-dan black belt, she explored general fitness, but it wasn't until 2014, when Ronald introduced her to CrossFit, that she was truly "sold." Since then, CrossFit has been her main passion, along with occasional cycling, running, and walking.
What does she enjoy most about working at CF Daadkracht? The adventure of being an entrepreneur. It has taught her new skills, and she is proud of everything they have built together.
Fun Facts about Rowan:
- Favorite movement? Anything that works the shoulders, from handstand push-ups to split jerks.
- Biggest achievement: Finishing 25th in the CrossFit Games Quarterfinals 2024 in the Netherlands!
- Coffee? Absolutely.
- Workout time? Mornings or early evenings.
- Cardio or strength? It used to be only strength, but now it's both!
- Pull-ups or push-ups? Push-ups.
- Sweet or savory snack? Both.
- Deadlift or squat? Deadlift.
Hoite Bakker
CrossFit Level 1 coach
Meet Hoite, our young and ambitious 19-year-old Level 1 coach! Hoite leads the WODs on Monday evenings and is ready to coach the CrossFit Kids on Wednesday afternoons. With his enthusiasm and knowledge, he's a valuable addition to the CrossFit Daadkracht team.
His sports career began during his studies at Nova College CIOS, where he specialized in becoming a fitness instructor. This is where he discovered his passion for coaching and training.
What motivates Hoite most in his coaching? "The members' experience of success. It's amazing to see how a movement gets better and how someone grows in strength and technique." His specialty is Olympic weightlifting, with his favorite exercises being the snatch and front/back squat.
Hoite has ambitious personal goals: a 100KG snatch and a 140KG clean & jerk. With his drive and focus, we have no doubt he will achieve this!
Fun Facts about Hoite:
- Favorite movement? The snatch, without a doubt!
- Coffee? Always before the workout.
- Workout time? Evening workouts.
- Strength or cardio? Strength training above all.
- Pull-ups or push-ups? Pull-ups (but strict ones are still a challenge!).
- Pre-workout snack: Sweet.
- Deadlift or squat? Squat.
Hoite brings enthusiasm, knowledge, and a fresh perspective to the gym. Want to work on your OLY skills or just experience an energetic class? Be sure to come and train with Hoite!
Mariska de Vries
CrossFit Level 1 coach/CrossFit Kids coach
Meet Mariska! As a Level 1 coach for our CrossFit Kids classes, she helps our youngest generation of athletes learn new skills and get fitter. In addition to her role as a coach, she also helps out behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Her athletic story began at a young age with gymnastics, dance, and yoga. Through fitness, she discovered the world of CrossFit in 2016, and that’s where she found her passion!
What motivates Mariska? "The kids are enthusiastic, eager to learn, and visibly grow in their self-confidence. It's great to see how they are introduced to the sport in a playful way. Sports help children grow not only physically but also mentally, and that is so valuable for their future."
Her favorite part? Weightlifting! She recently had her first Olympic weightlifting competition and it made her want to do more!
Fun Facts about Mariska:
- Favorite lift: Squat Snatch.
- Coffee? Before and after the workout.
- Workout time? No preference, she's always up for it!
- Choice: Strength training above all.
- Push-ups or pull-ups? Push-ups it is!
- Pre-workout snack? Sweet, without a doubt.
- Deadlifts or squats? The squat.
Mariska not only brings energy to the gym but also inspires the next generation.
Petra Wolsing
CrossFit Level 1 coach
Meet Petra! She's a Level 1 coach who teaches classes on Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings, among others. Sports have been in Petra's blood since she was young. After years of experience as a competitive swimmer, both in the pool and open water, she transitioned to CrossFit and freediving. A truly versatile athlete.
What gives Petra the most satisfaction in coaching? "I love to motivate and encourage everyone at their own level to move well, responsibly, and have fun." Her coaching style revolves around enjoyment, progress, and personal attention.
As an athlete, Petra loves variety. "It's a cliché, but I like everything as long as it's varied. Just cardio? That's not really my favorite."
Her current goal is simple: to train without injuries, learn new things, and keep improving herself. No pressure!
Fun Facts about Petra:
- Favorite movements: Ring muscle-ups and handstand walks (still a work in progress!).
- Coffee or tea? Ew, coffee! Tea, please.
- Workout time? 100% morning workouts!
- Strength or cardio? Strength training above all.
- Pull-ups or push-ups? Pull-ups.
- Deadlift or squat? Deadlift.
- Pre-workout snack? Preferably both, sweet and savory.
Tess Vreeburg
CrossFit Level 1 coach
Meet Tes! A member of CrossFit Daadkracht for over 4 years, she became a CF-L1 Coach in May 2024. You can find her coaching WODs on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, where she motivates members with her energy and enthusiasm.
Tes's athletic journey began in the swimming pool, where she swam at a high level for years. After swimming, she switched to strength training at a regular gym, but quickly found it boring. Luckily, she discovered CrossFit and was immediately hooked! "Every day and every workout is different. It's great to push myself and discover everything I'm capable of."
As a coach, Tes gets her motivation from watching athletes grow. "I think it's fantastic to help people give just that little bit extra. They can often do more than they think, and it’s so cool when someone gets their first double under, hits a PR, or climbs the rope for the first time!"
Her favorite parts of the sport? Anything heavy and strength-related! Bench press, deadlifts, or push jerks—Tes is ready for it. She's proud of her achievements, including a 140kg deadlift, an 85kg bench press, and a podium spot (3rd place) at the Arena Throwdown. And as if that's not enough, she also holds a National Swimming Record from when she was 15!
Fun Facts about Tes:
- Favorite movements: Push Jerk and Bench Press.
- Coffee? Only if it has syrup, flavors, or powder. "I never really take pre-workout; I have enough energy on my own!"
- Workout time? Morning!
- Choice: Strength training above all (running? No thanks!).
- Pull-ups or push-ups? Handstand push-ups, of course!
- Pre-workout snack: A muesli bun with peanut butter.
- Deadlift or squat? Deadlift, always!
Ruben Mounourij
CrossFit Level 1 coach/Weightlifting coach
Meet Ruben Mounourij, our passionate coach who leads WODs and Olympic Lifting classes at the gym! Ruben began his athletic journey at age six with water polo, a sport he still plays today. When he was twenty, he discovered CrossFit and has been hooked ever since. He started both sports with his father, which has always been a major motivation for him.
What drives Ruben as a coach? "I want to share my experience and help people feel the same sense of happiness and pride when they achieve their goals."
Ruben's specialty? High-skill movements and heavy lifting. He loves working on technical and complex movements but also enjoys the strength and challenge that come with heavy weights.
His personal athletic goals? Ruben aims to compete at the top level in the Netherlands. His greatest achievement so far is participating in international competitions at an elite level, both individually and with his team.
Fun Facts about Ruben:
- Favorite movement: Strict HSPU (Handstand Push-ups)—he loves the challenge!
- Coffee? Ruben doesn't drink coffee.
- Workout time? Ruben is a night owl—that's when he prefers to train.
- Strength or cardio? Strength training is the best, and nothing more than 3 reps!
- Pull-ups or push-ups? Pull-ups, always!
- Pre-workout snack? Savory, for the right fuel.
- Deadlift or squat? Ruben says: both! No need to choose, he's a fan of them all.
Gabriëlle Star
CrossFit Level 1 coach/CrossFit Kids coach
Meet Gabriëlle! As a Level 1 coach, Gabriëlle teaches the Kids & Teens classes, fills in for adult classes, and trains hard herself. Her enthusiasm and passion for CrossFit make her a great addition to the Daadkracht team.
Gabriëlle’s athletic journey began in her youth, with basketball as her main sport and many other activities on the side. When she wanted to work more on her strength and conditioning, she discovered CrossFit. It was exactly what she was looking for: a challenging way to become stronger, both physically and mentally.
Her goal as a coach? "I hope the kids and teens we coach will become stronger in life, not just physically but mentally as well. They can do so much more than they think, and it's amazing to help them discover that!"
Gabriëlle is most enthusiastic about gymnastics movements, and her specialties are burpees and box jumps. Still, she continues to challenge herself with new goals. Her ultimate ambitions? To master the handstand walk and the muscle-up.
Fun Facts about Gabriëlle:
- Favorite movement: Handstand.
- Coffee? Before the workout, always!
- Workout time? Morning workouts are her favorite.
- Strength or cardio? Strength training above all.
- Pull-ups or push-ups? Push-ups!
- Pre-workout snack? Sweet, of course.
- Deadlift or squat? Squat.
Jop Belger
CrossFit Kids coach
Meet Jop, our energetic Level 1 CrossFit Kids Coach! At Daadkracht, he guides the youngest generation of athletes to become stronger, fitter, and more confident.
Sports have always been a big part of Jop's life. He started with competitive rowing and discovered CrossFit as a way to supplement his strength. It didn't take long for CrossFit to win him over and become his main activity.
What motivates Jop as a coach? "I think it's awesome to share my knowledge and motivate others to give it their all." For Jop, coaching isn't just about teaching movements; it's especially about building confidence and fostering growth—both physically and mentally.
His favorite workouts? Anything that combines cardio with heavy lifting. He loves to go all out in challenging, long sessions where he can push his limits. Jop is also working hard on his own athletic goals. This year, he aims to run a marathon in under 4 hours and qualify for the Nationals.
Fun Facts about Jop:
- Favorite movement: Clean & Jerk.
- Coffee? Always before the workout!
- Workout time? Evening workouts. That gives him all day to get going.
- Strength or cardio? Cardio above all, the longer the better.
- Pull-ups or push-ups? Push-ups win this one.
- Pre-workout snack: Sweet, always a good idea!
- Deadlift or squat? Squat. Always squat.
Niek Kralt
CrossFit coach
Meet Niek! As a part-time Level 1 coach at our gym, he's a familiar face to many. His love for sports runs in the family and grew into a passion for CrossFit five years ago. What started at a regular gym led to the discovery of heavy barbells and challenging WODs.
What motivates Niek the most? Seeing members grow, improve, and exceed their own expectations. "I think it's cool to motivate people through a workout and watch them get stronger," he says enthusiastically.
His specialty? "I can snatch beautifully, but not heavily, and I'm good on the Echo bike." A bodyweight snatch is still on his bucket list, and knowing his perseverance, it won't be long before he achieves it!
Fun Facts about Niek:
- Favorite lift: A squat clean without the jerk.
- Coffee? Before and after the workout.
- Workout time: Always an evening workout.
- Strength or cardio? Strength training > cardio.
- Push-ups or pull-ups? Push-ups, of course!
- Pre-workout snack? Sweet over savory.
- Deadlifts or squats? Squats all the way.
Lisanne van der Zeeuw
Event manager
Meet Lisanne! She is a versatile force behind the scenes. From member contact to organizing events, Lisanne is always ready to help.
Her athletic journey began 10 years ago when she decided to change her lifestyle. After a few years of experimenting at a regular gym, she found her passion in CrossFit. "It challenges me, never gets boring, and has made me stronger than ever," she says with enthusiasm.
What she enjoys most about working at CF Daadkracht? "Being part of an enthusiastic and driven team at a gym that truly has my heart," Lisanne says proudly.
Her favorite workouts are those centered on speed—sprint WODs are her ultimate favorite! And her personal goal? To one day master all RX movements. We have no doubt she's going to rock this!
Fun Facts about Lisanne:
- Favorite movement: Anything with heavy weights.
- Coffee? All day, every day!
- Workout time? Evening workouts.
- Strength or cardio? Strength training over cardio.
- Push-ups or pull-ups? Pull-ups all the way!
- Pre-workout snack? Savory.
- Deadlift or squat? Deadlift, of course!
Arend-Jan Tetteroo
CrossFit Level 2 coach
Meet Arend-Jan, better known as AJ, Arie, or Arie-Jan! He's not only an experienced coach at CrossFit Daadkracht but also the father of Casper (12), who is active in the CrossFit Kids program. AJ earned his CrossFit Level 1 in 2020 and Level 2 in 2022. Additionally, he's a MindsetRx'd mindset coach. You'll often find him on the gym floor, especially during WODs on Wednesday evenings, and also as a substitute on other days.
AJ began his athletic journey at age 12 with canoe polo, a sport in which he played in the premier league for years. Around age 30, after a sports break and the arrival of his son, he found his passion in CrossFit. "My first WOD was so tough that I saw black during the warm-up, but I pushed through and now, more than 10 years later, I'm addicted to this amazing way of training!"
What motivates him to coach others? "I love helping people function better, both physically and mentally."
AJ loves long workouts with a mental challenge, like Chad or simply 7 minutes of burpees. For him, it's not just about the movements, but especially about the approach and mindset.
His personal athletic goal? To stay healthy and fit, both physically and mentally. Last year, AJ completed a modified version of 75 Hard, and he plans to take on a similar challenge again this year.
Fun Facts about AJ:
- Favorite movement: Rowing.
- Coffee? Before the workout, of course—it's the perfect pre-workout.
- Workout time? Morning workouts!
- Strength or cardio? Cardio, but with CrossFit exercises.
- Pull-ups or push-ups? Pull-ups (easier to scale with an injury).
- Pre-workout snack? Sweet, but he prefers an empty stomach.
- Deadlift or squat? Squat all the way!
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AJ brings energy, experience, and a focus on mindset to every workout. His approach inspires not only inside the gym but also beyond. Want to push your mental and physical limits? Come train with AJ!