I am very sorry for the tardiness on this post but I am not sorry with our selection for the October Athlete of the Month honor. Danni Napoli was chosen out of a few stand out names in the coaches’ discussion. Let me start off by saying it is an absolute pleasure to have Danni in class because she is so coachable. It’s not everyday you get a former college athlete who takes the time to slow down their movements and learn. The coaching staff appreciates your trust in the process and are proud to be part of your continued fitness journey. Some of you may have been in class with Danni and never knew she holds the single season homerun record for SUNY Geneseo or that she played played Quarterback for a football team while studying abroad in Europe. That’s pretty damn impressive! Danni is relatively reserved in class but so easy to talk to and as she said in the Q&A below, is always up fo trying a new sport. That attitude and personality can be very contagious so make sure you introduce yourself if you don’t know her. Coach Casey would be extremely happy with the response for favorite cheat meal. It was literally his favorite food. As for biggest goal right now, Danni, you are so close to the chest to bar pull-ups and consistent toes to bar. I witnessed the work put in for the strict movement and the kipping practice we have now will definintely get you there. Thanks for being yourself and working hard.
Written by: Coach Rob Moloney
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Q&A
Why did you start functional fitness cross-training?
I started doing CrossFit as off-season training for college sports.
What’s your background? (Athletic)
I played softball (with gym member & long time best pal Alyssa Persich!) and field hockey, at SUNY Geneseo. I also very briefly played QB for an [American] football team in Norway while studying abroad. These days, I’ll play any sport that I can get someone to play with me, but my favorites are probably snowboarding, golf, and volleyball (thanks to the Long Beach/IP-Fitness group for that last one).
How long have you been a member and how long have you been doing functional fitness?
I joined in February of 2022, and have been doing CrossFit on and off since about 2016.
What is your favorite thing about the gym?
The way that there’s intent behind everything we’re doing, and the good people/good vibes. It’s an awesome community and I can’t even count the number of times someone (both coaches and members) has taken time to help me with a skill/movement.
What is the biggest challenge you have overcome since joining the gym?
Avoiding workouts with movements that I don’t like doing because I’m not great at them. And, waking up on time for the morning classes (still working on this one actually).
What is your favorite moment at the gym so far?
When Joe Murdy ran the second mile of Murph with me (after he had already done the whole thing) and pushed me to get through it. I probably would’ve stopped and walked, or ran at a much slower pace if it hadn’t been for him. I’m grateful to go to a gym with people like that.
What’s your favorite “cheat” food?
Taco Bell
What would you say to someone who is thinking about starting?
What’s really the worst thing that could happen? Just try it out.
What drives you?
Stress & anxiety (kinda joking but not really) – For me working out is the ultimate [and probably healthiest] stress relief and doing so in a deliberate way where the workouts are strategically planned so that you can see yourself improve over time is a really cool and rewarding experience.
What is your biggest fitness goal right now?
Probably to do a C2B pull up, or to figure out how to consistently string together T2B.