Our Team
Danny Diaz
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Olympic Lifting Coach
BKIN - Sports Performance
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CSCS, CSEP-CPT, CFSC-LVL 1, NASM-PES, FMS LVL 1
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NSPA - CPDS, CSAC, CWPC, CSNC
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PFSCCA Combine Preparation
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Athletics has been a cornerstone of Danny's life, marked by a high-level engagement in soccer and football during his formative years. Notably, his football journey encompassed triumphs, including provincial and national championships in high school, and pivotal roles with the Edmonton Huskies (CJFL) and the University of Alberta (CIS). Recognized for his individual prowess, Danny has earned numerous awards in the realm of athletics.
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Beyond his own achievements, Danny has dedicated his expertise to coaching at both the high school level and with the Edmonton Huskies, where he served as a Receiver Coach, contributing to the development of athletes across various levels.
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Graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Alberta, specializing in Sports Performance & Physical Activity, Danny's academic foundation complements his practical experience. His commitment to ongoing learning is fueled by a genuine passion for sports and training.
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As a S&C Coach, Danny has worked with diverse clientele, ranging from amateur and professional athletes to Olympians and the general fitness population. Regardless of ability level, Danny is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their fitness and performance objectives.
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Serhat Yayla
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Olympic Lifting Coach
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UEFA-B, CSCS, EXOS-PES,
FMS 1&2, CPDS, CSAC, CWPC
Serhat is our Director of Sports Performance here at ESP. He is also an experienced strength and conditioning coach who works with various clientele and their respective goals.
He has played professional soccer in the Turkish Super League and at different Turkish National Team levels.
After his career ended, Serhat completed his bachelor's degree in Sports Performance and Coaching. He also attended a graduate program in coaching at the University of Alberta. During the program, Serhat had a chance to work as an assistant instructor and a primary instructor for undergrad courses at the University of Alberta.
He has worked as an assistant coach for the Turkish Olympic Weightlifting Team for two years with 3x Olympic Champion Halil Mutlu during his coaching career. He has worked with Golden Bears Soccer as an assistant coach and with the Green and Gold Soccer Academy. Serhat was also a Strength and Conditioning Coach at the High Performance and Research Centre at the U of A.
Serhat has been coaching for almost a decade now. He is very passionate about coaching. He strongly believes strength training should be an important part of everyone's life regardless of their age, occupation, and physical goal.
Samuel Peters
Performance Coach
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Bachelor of Kinesiology
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CSEP-CPT
Sam is in his final year at the University of Alberta, where he is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. Throughout his academic journey, he has earned his CSEP certification and gained valuable experience working with various varsity teams, developing tailored training programs to meet the specific demands of each sport. Primarily focused on the basketball team, Sam also collaborates with the soccer, rugby, and volleyball teams.
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Sam’s athletic background includes eight years of competitive trampoline and tumbling, which then transitioned into his passion for volleyball. He has played volleyball for years in high school, in a club setting, and on the beach courts. While he continues to cherish both of these sports, Sam has recently shifted his focus to resistance training, developing a strong interest in Olympic lifting and its benefits for both athletic performance and general health.
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What Sam finds most rewarding about personal training is the opportunity to create unique experiences for each individual. He believes that each individual has distinct goals and needs, and he is committed to ensuring that his clients' expectations are not only met but exceeded.
Abrielle Knodel
Performance Coach
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B.A.
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ISSA, CPT
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Abrielle remembers when she would walk into the gym and feel intimidated, ignorant, and like she didn’t belong. Working with a personal trainer changed her life. She wants to contribute to the gym being a positive experience for everyone who comes in.
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Abrielle graduated from the University of Alberta in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She has been working as a Personal Trainer in the Edmonton area since 2021. She is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) through ISSA.
Abrielle's goal is to help you gain the knowledge and confidence in yourself to carry you through your fitness journey, long past the point of needing me.
Crishel Subaran
Performance Coach
Nimi Idikio
Performance Coach
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COMING SOON
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COMING SOON
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