MEET THE TEAM

OWNER/HEAD COACH - she/her/hers

Sam Higgins is the owner and Head Coach of Davidson Strength and Fitness. Her fitness journey began nearly a decade ago as a way to reclaim her mental health, and what started as a personal effort soon became a lifelong passion. Within months, she earned multiple certifications and found her purpose in helping others do the same. Sam credits fitness for restoring both her physical and mental well-being and is deeply committed to building an inclusive and empowering community for everyone. She has a special love for coaching kids’ classes, often calling them “the best 90 minutes of the week.” Outside the gym, Sam enjoys fantasy romance novels, tattoos, and the company of her black cats.

CO-OWNER/COACH- he/him/his

Lucas Higgins brings energy, humor, and experience to the Davidson Strength and Fitness community. With a background that spans over a decade in teaching and another as a professional chef, Lucas knows the value of patience, creativity, and connection. His journey back into fitness began about five years ago, reigniting his passion for movement and strength. As both a coach and co-owner, he plays a vital role in creating a supportive and welcoming space alongside his wife, Sam. When he is not coaching, Lucas enjoys playing guitar by the fire, rescuing animals with his family, and diving into video games. Tattoos, laughter, and good music keep him grounded.

COACH - she/her/hers

Heather Stafford brings a lifelong love of movement and community to Davidson Strength and Fitness. A former collegiate cheerleader at ASU, Heather found her passion for group fitness after graduation and has spent more than a decade coaching gymnastics and helping kids discover their own strength. She loves the challenge, discipline, and friendships that come with fitness and hopes to inspire young athletes to carry those lessons beyond the gym. Since moving to the area in 2023, Heather has been thrilled to share her energy with the DSF community. Outside of coaching, she enjoys teaching kindergarten, hiking with friends, visiting local coffee shops, and spending time with her dog, Zoe.

COACH - she/her/hers

EmmaLee Haga is passionate about fitness as a pathway to both physical and mental well-being. With certifications in group fitness, corrective exercise, and balance and stretching, she helps members move safely and confidently toward their goals. As an obesity medicine exercise specialist, EmmaLee understands the power of movement in transforming lives. Her own experience with community-based fitness improved her mental health, and she is dedicated to helping others find that same strength and support. Outside the gym, you will find her singing, dancing, meal prepping, or spending time with her son, Onyx. Her approach to coaching blends compassion, knowledge, and fun.

COACH - he/him/his

For over fifteen years, Grant Shymske has dedicated himself to coaching and competing across functional fitness, Strongman, Powerlifting, and Olympic Weightlifting. His expertise and enthusiasm make him a cornerstone of the Davidson Strength and Fitness coaching team. Grant has also tackled ultra-endurance challenges such as GORUCK Selection and the Spartan Death Race, testing both mental and physical limits. When he is not coaching, Grant serves as a full-time firefighter with Mooresville Fire Rescue and mentors new coaches around the world. He has been happily married for fifteen years, loves cooking with his wife, and enjoys walks with their dog, Axel.

Chanelle Santana’s fitness journey began in high school when she trained to become one of the strongest cheerleaders on her team. That determination carried her through college ROTC, where she turned a failed fitness test into motivation to excel and later into a love for Powerlifting, Strongman, and CrossFit. Alongside her husband, Grant, Chanelle now coaches others with the same enthusiasm and focus she brings to her own training. A Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in sports recovery, she helps people understand how movement and recovery work together. Whether she is coaching in the gym or working on her massage table, Chanelle is driven by one goal: helping others feel and perform their best.

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC, Tyler Crump has always been an athlete at heart. After years of playing football, he turned to CrossFit in 2012 to keep his competitive spirit alive and soon discovered a new passion. By 2013, he began coaching and has never looked back. Tyler has witnessed how consistency in training and nutrition can change lives, and he loves guiding others through that same transformation. His greatest joy as a coach comes from seeing people surprise themselves and achieve more than they thought possible. Dedicated, down-to-earth, and motivating, Tyler brings both experience and heart to every class he leads.

Kay Murphy discovered CrossFit in 2018 and was instantly hooked. Her drive to grow and learn led her to earn her CrossFit certification and complete both USAW Level 1 and Level 2. Over time, she expanded her training to include Strongman, stone lifting, and ruck competitions, finding her true passion in strength training. For Kay, fitness is about more than physical power. It is about building confidence, balance, and resilience that carry into all areas of life. As a proud mom of four, she understands the importance of perseverance both inside and outside the gym. Kay loves helping others discover their own strength and potential through movement.

Garrett Reese has been part of the fitness world for nearly a decade and coaching for four years. His approach to training is rooted in consistency, positivity, and fun. Whether he is leading a workout or cheering someone through their last rep, Garrett strives to make every session an opportunity for growth and confidence. When he is not in the gym, you can find him mountain biking, waterskiing, or golfing. He also leads a team distributing Frito-Lay products, proving that balance, discipline, and a strong work ethic carry far beyond the gym floor. Garrett believes fitness is about progress, not perfection.