MEET THE COACHES.
Owner
David Ward-Smith
David is an exceptional business owner and fitness expert with extensive experience and an impressive track record of accomplishments. As the founder and owner of Ironclad Fitness Center and Ocean State Crossfit.
David has built a globally renowned gym and training facility. Through his unwavering dedication and vision, David has created a multi-dimensional environment that caters to the diverse needs of members. He aims to help individuals unlock their full potential, minimize injury risk, and achieve their fitness aspirations.
David holds a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Rhode Island, providing him with a solid foundation in human movement and exercise science. He also earned an MBA from Salve Regina University, equipping him with theoretical knowledge and business acumen. David’s career is characterized by a series of accomplishments and deep expertise in sports coaching and fitness. Notably, he has had the privilege of training and coaching some of the state’s most successful athletes, showcasing his skills and knowledge.
David is an exceptional leader whose passion for health and fitness has enabled countless individuals to conquer their fears and achieve their goals. Through his gym and training programs, David strives to create an environment where people can unlock their potential and push beyond perceived limitations.
Director of Fitness Operations and Programming
Christine Middleton​
Christine has been a passionate athlete throughout her life. During high school, she was a three-season sports enthusiast, excelling in soccer, basketball, track and field, gymnastics, and figure skating. She pursued a college education in Athletic Training while competing as a Division I track and field athlete. Christine consistently performed at the top of her team at the NCAA championships and set a school record in the discus throw event. In 2012, she graduated from Sacred Heart University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training.
Over the past decade, Christine has applied her expertise in sports medicine as an athletic trainer in various educational institutions and military settings. Her background in human movement, injury prevention, and management has been crucial to her role as a coach at Ironclad Fitness Center.
After completing her education, Christine started CrossFit in 2013 and began competing in 2015 at Ocean State CrossFit. She made appearances at the North American East Regional Championships in 2016, 2017, and 2018, as well as the CrossFit Semifinals in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Christine qualified for the CrossFit Games in 2017, 2022, and 2023, finishing 14th in the world both times.
Dedicated to fitness, sports, and coaching, Christine has helped athletes achieve their goals. Her extensive experience includes CrossFit, boot camp fitness, Olympic weightlifting, weight loss, and strength and mobility training.
As the creator of Ocean State CrossFit's original programming, Coach Christine tailors workouts to challenge elite-level athletes and newcomers alike. Her approach ensures a safe, inclusive, supportive, and stimulating environment for everyone.
Manager of Facility Operations and Wellness Programming
Tara Civito
Bio coming soon!
Head Coach and Manager of Health and Wellness
Ryan Tracy
Ryan grew up playing many team sports including soccer, baseball, basketball, football, track, and swimming. However, It was not until after college, when Ryan fell into a bit of a depression and gained a significant amount of weight, that he truly fell in love with all things fitness, nutrition, and wellness. Having personally felt the incredible difference taking care of your mind and body can make, Ryan knew he had found is new career.
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After getting NASM certified and training clients in various gyms throughout Rhode Island, Ryan joined Ocean State Crossfit in 2012, became immediately hooked, and in 2013 received his Crossfit Level 1 certification.
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With the knowledge of having gone through his own journey, organizing many weight loss challenges, and boot camps, Ryan continues to receive incredible life changing results with clients. Ryan is beyond proud to be the Head Coach at Ocean State CrossFit and Director of The Ironclad Wellness Program and is madly in love with this community he considers family.
Coach
Steph Moore
Steph discovered CrossFit in 2016 and was hooked after exposure to its efficiency and effectiveness, new physical and mental challenges, and undeniable community. Steph credits CrossFit for the lifelong friends-turned-family she and her husband have made over the years in various states, and she is proud to be raising her two little boys around people who share similar values around health and lifelong fitness.
Steph has been coaching since 2018, gaining invaluable experience both in Maryland and Rhode Island. She is currently a CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, certified Pregnancy and Postpartum Athleticism Coach, and CrossFit certified Functional Gymnastics Trainer. Her favorite aspect of coaching is learning her athletes’ goals and movement tendencies and progressing them towards specific skills over time. In more recent years, Steph has honed in on helping female athletes navigate highly individualized pregnant/postpartum journeys by applying her PPA certification and first-hand experience.
The opportunity to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds and guide them towards exceeding their own expectations while maximizing their health is a privilege; it’s one she does not take lightly!
Coach
Chris Kunzmann
Chris joined the CrossFit world back in January 2013 and hasn’t looked back since. After being a member of traditional gyms, he was looking for something different to elevate his training. One CrossFit class was all it took for Chris to become hooked. A few years later, he wanted to take his knowledge to the next level by becoming a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer and achieved that goal in 2016. In February 2021, Chris continued his learning by receiving his Level 2 certification.
Outside of attending Ocean State, Chris is attempting to visit a CrossFit box in all 50 states. Termed the “Quest For 51” (which includes Washington DC), he’s currently at 21 of 51. He’s also visited multiple boxes in some of these states, putting his current box total at 40. The best parts of dropping in are that he’s always fascinated by the communities in different parts of the country and enjoys experiencing different coaching styles, sometimes taking what he’s learned to implement back home at Ocean State.
CrossFit has given so much to Chris – people that are sure to be lifelong friends and most importantly introducing him to his wife, Becky – that he’s always eager and happy to be able to give back to the community. Whether it’s your first day or you’re a seasoned athlete, Chris has got you covered!
Coach
Cliff Studley
Since 2014, Cliff has been a member of Ocean State CrossFit, immersing himself in both the sport and community. In early 2017, Cliff earned his L1 certificate, complemented by various crossfit training certificates, further enhancing his coaching expertise. Cliff began his coaching while living in Boston with his wife, Casey. Upon his return to Rhode Island several years ago, Cliff also came back to Ocean State Crossfit to both continue his fitness journey and passion for coaching.
With a strong educational background in business administration, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, Cliff is an IT project manager in the health insurance industry. However, his true fulfillment lies in coaching. Cliff finds joy in helping members at Ocean State CrossFit achieve their fitness goals.
Looking ahead to the coming year, Cliff is excited to guide and support members as they take the next step in their fitness journey. Cliff’s dedication to fostering growth and progress within the CrossFit community is further exemplified by his initiative to establish a non-profit CrossFit affiliate at the volunteer fire department in their hometown eight years ago, where he proudly serves as a member today!
Coach
Sam Pasquale
Bio coming soon!
Coach
Ben Saugy
Bio coming soon!.