WELCOME COACH DEJAH

We want to give a very warm welcome to the newest member of our Cove coaching team, Dejah Ortega!  The first time she walked in the doors she was family.  She’s longtime member Nelda’s niece — and Dejah and her mom (Day) spent a week at the Cove over the holidays. From day one, it was like they’ve been here forever.

Dejah was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Growing up, she was always active and attempted sports like basketball, karate, and eventually found a groove in softball where she played for over 10 years.  But it wasn’t always a smooth and easy path. In trying to overcome to some personal challenges,  she found her coping mechanism became food. She recognized that her eating had changed her (both physically AND emotionally) into something she didn’t recognize in the mirror.

Seven years ago her mom (also a longtime coach) introduced her to CrossFit and she hasn’t looked back since.  The sport has been an integral part of her maturation as an athlete, but most importantly as a human being.

She and her mom embarked on an incredible journey, not just reinventing themselves physically, but connected them in such deep and meaningful ways.  She’s learned so much about herself along the way. Grit, perseverance, and humility are some of the major values that CrossFit has taught her.  The overall experience has changed her in so many ways, from a significant loss in weight and a massive gain in strength, drive, and confidence! 

Since moving to Maryland a month ago, Dejah already feels at home at the Cove and is excited to share this next step in her CrossFit journey with the community. We couldn’t feel more lucky to have her.