Meet the Hard 2 Kill CrossFit team

At Hard 2 Kill CrossFit in Arden, NC, we are dedicated to creating a fitness community where everyone can thrive. Our gym combines expert coaching, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive environment to help you reach your fitness goals. Discover a place where your fitness journey is guided by passion and professionalism.

Our Coaches

Our coaches at Hard 2 Kill CrossFit in Arden, NC, are more than just trainers; they are passionate professionals committed to your success. Each member of our team brings a wealth of experience and a personalized approach to help you achieve your fitness objectives. With diverse specialties ranging from strength training to wellness, our coaches are here to support and inspire you every step of the way.

Donnell Burch

Founder

While many people credit physical activity for figuratively saving their lives, CrossFit Coach Donnell Burch will tell you a lifetime of physical effort, most notably CrossFit, literally saved his life. As a lifelong gym rat, high school athlete, coach, and PE teacher, Donnell spent his days committed to physical activity. He found CrossFit in his 40s, not knowing that this discipline and the grace of God would save his life in the next year. Donnell was the victim of a tragic accident; thrown from his motorcycle and run over by oncoming traffic, flat-lined, then comatose for over three weeks. Crediting his faith and the comprehensive physical conditioning provided by CrossFit before the accident, Donnell miraculously returned to his family and began the long trek to recovery.

Today, Donnell’s own recovery experience shapes his approach to coaching CrossFit athletes at any level of experience and ability. Understanding both the mental and physical battle necessary to meet fitness goals, Coach Donnell knows that the most minor win in the gym can radically affect a person’s outlook on life. “When people look at me and hear my story, they realize there is no one picture of a CrossFitter. Anyone can be a CrossFitter. My message to athletes is ‘This is YOUR time. Focus on yourself. Coach is going to focus on you.

Nicki

Coach

Bruh mom, passionate coach. I enjoy sipping my coffee and watching any of the housewives shows and true crime mysteries. Waaaaaaayyy baaaack in the day in high school I played basketball and tennis. I even played D1 tennis at UNCA (go bulldogs). I currently hold both a L1 and CrossFit nutrition certification plus I’m a certified Peer Health Educator. Tax law and all things numbers are my specialty with CF bringing balance into my wheelhouse! My favorite workouts are hero WODs like Hollyman, DT, JT, and Anna. My favorite movements are picking up my husband, snatches, deadlifts, wall walks, push jerks and squat cleans! I absolutely hate thrusters but will show up anyway!

Andy

Coach

Born and raised in PA. Lived in the DC area for about 10 years before moving to Asheville in 2021. In my free time I enjoy playing guitar, spending time in the outdoors, and coaching others in the WOD. I currently hold a L1. My favorite movements are wall balls, hand stand push ups, and back squats. My least favorite are burpees and pistols.

Courtney

Coach

Hi! I’m Courtney and I am so passionate about teaching and motivating others. I am an Elementary Educator and I have my CrossFit L1. I’m bubbly, fun, and I love to work out!

Music, coffee, and dogs are my other passions.

My favorite CrossFit movement is the clean! My least favorite movement is the overhead squat.

Elizabeth

Coach

I walked into Hard 2 Kill CrossFit at the age of 55 nervous, but needing something to help me get healthier. After the first WOD and meeting the coaches and the community of people, I never looked back. Coaches guided me to adjust workouts to my abilities and I was on a journey to improve my strength, agility, balance, mobility, and overall health. After 3 years, I decided I wanted to be one of the coaches that helped me see myself as an athlete again at 55, so I got my L1 and became one!

Mel B

Coach

While originally from Michigan, I am blessed to call North Carolina home and where my fitness journey began. Sports and I have never really been friends as I was more of the musically inclined type. Until 7 years ago when CrossFit was introduced into my life, and even when my first WOD had the head of a sledge hammer come flying inches from my face, I was intrigued to continue.
CrossFit is my community and it’s ability to be inclusive to everyone from all walks of life is a huge aspect to my neverending love for it. Whether in the box setting a new Annie time, on hikes, or enjoying a beer together at the brewery, the friendships made here mean everything to me! Being a L1 certified CrossFit coach is something I never could have fathomed but, I am glad I am!
Besides lifting heavy things and putting them back down, you can find me at the park with my puppy dog, reading from my endless stacks of books, or attempting to be crafty! I look forward to seeing you soon to help you on your fitness journey and cheer you on every burpee along the way.

Unique Features and Facilities

Hard 2 Kill boasts a spacious, open-layout facility designed to maximize your training experience. We provide a top-notch environment, including post-wod recovery equipment to ensure a complete fitness journey from start to finish.

Top-Notch Fitness Equipment

Hard 2 Kill provides top-of-the-line equipment to ensure our clients achieve their fitness goals. Our facility is equipped with Rogue barbells, Concept2 rowers, and Assault AirBikes to enhance your CrossFit training experience. We also offer a variety of kettlebells, medicine balls, dumbbells and plyometric boxes for comprehensive functional fitness workouts. With our extensive range of equipment, Hard 2 Kill is committed to helping you become stronger, faster, and Hard 2 Kill!

Book Your Free Intro Session Today

Take the first step towards a healthier lifestyle with a free intro session at Hard 2 Kill CrossFit in Arden, NC! Our team will provide a personalized tour of our facilities, introduce you to our services, and help you start your fitness journey. Schedule your session now and experience firsthand how Hard 2 Kill CrossFit can support your goals.