

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.

Coach
Mary Jeffway
Mary started CrossFit in 2018 after being inspired by a CrossFit Games Documentary her older brother showed her. Over the years, she’s tried various methods of training, but always found herself back in a CrossFit gym. She strongly believes that the CrossFit methodology is unparalleled in its ability to physically & mentally transform anyone willing to put in the work.As a CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Mary brings a science-driven and detail oriented approach to her coaching. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and works full time in cardiovascular disease clinical research. Mary is deeply passionate about helping members of OSCF build confidence through discovering what they’re capable of and achieving their potential. She strives to bring positive energy and enthusiasm into every class, creating a safe and empowering environment for members of all abilities!

Manager of Facility Operations and Wellness Programming
Tara Civito
Growing up Tara played competitive soccer from the ages of 6-18. In high school she played 4 years of varsity soccer and varsity track. After high school she stopped playing competitive sports but always remained active, going to the traditional gym and playing recreational sports for fun.
After a while Tara became bored with her traditional gym routine. She needed something new, challenging and different. She had heard of Crossfit and decided to give it a try. In early 2012 she tried a Saturday morning partner workout at Ocean State Crossfit and was hooked. She signed up that day! In 2013 she obtained her Level 1 Certification and began coaching at OSCF.
Tara has a Bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Rhode Island. She also has her Masters Degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology and her Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies is School Psychology from Rhode Island College.
Tara has always been passionate about helping people. She spent about 5 years working as a school psychologist. In 2013 she decided to stop working in the school and switch her focus. That is when she started coaching and personal training full time at OSCF. Her vision is to blend her knowledge in psychology and fitness to help people achieve their goals and live an overall healthy lifestyle, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well! After all, exercise is one of the best forms of therapy!!

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!

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
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
Max Fokin
Max brings a unique blend of high-level athletic experience and clinical expertise to the CrossFit floor. He is a CrossFit athlete and a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with over five years of experience working as a sports and performance physical therapist. Max also holds his CrossFit Level 1 (CF-L1) and Titleist Performance Institute Level 1 (TPI-1) certifications.With a deep understanding of biomechanics, injury prevention, and performance optimization, Max coaches with intention—focusing on efficient mechanics, intelligent loading, and sustainable progress. His goal is not just to help athletes train harder, but to help them train smarter, creating healthy, robust athletes who can perform at a high level for years to come.Max has worked with a wide range of athletes, from those new to CrossFit to competitive individuals pushing the limits of performance. His approach bridges the gap between rehabilitation and high-level training, meeting athletes where they are and guiding them toward their goals with precision and care.When he’s not coaching, Max continues to train competitively, refine his craft, and stay on the leading edge of sports performance and movement science—all in service of better coaching and better outcomes for the community. You can otherwise find him trying out new restaurants and breweries, golfing, or enjoying time with his family and his French Bulldog Ares.

Coach
Dave Estrada
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Coach
Jim Garrison
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Coach
Patrick Robinson
As a former college baseball player, Patrick was looking for a new competitive outlet when he discovered Crossfit. Already interested in strength and conditioning, he missed the camaraderie and group dynamic of the locker room. Using Crossfit to train for the military, he soon fell in love with its multi-faceted approach to health. Inspired by the simple efficacy of the training methods, he pursued his L-1 in the summer of 2020. As he became more involved, he realized the true magic of the methodology lies within the spirit of hard work, selflessness, and charisma of the community. Patrick coached at Prowess Fitness & Nutrition from January 2022 through February 2024. After a brief stint away, he joined Ironclad in November of 2025 and began coaching in January 2026. He firmly believes that, while Crossfit is an incredible prescription for fitness, more importantly, it’s a vehicle for growth, learning, and a higher quality of life.
Outside the gym, Patrick lives in East Greenwich with his beautiful wife, Allison. He is also a full time firefighter, a Captain in the Marine Corps reserves, and currently pursuing his national paramedic certification. An outspoken Christian and an active leader at Sanctuary Church in Providence, Rhode Island, Patrick enjoys reading, hunting, fishing, traveling, and skiing in his free time.