Meet Coach Evan Steigerwald

Coach

@evansteigerwald

From a young age, Evan has been immersed in athletics, developing a lifelong passion for training, movement, and competition. He likes to think of himself as the definition of an everyday athlete—someone who simply loves to show up, work hard, and get better.

Growing up, Evan played just about every sport involving a ball before ultimately focusing on baseball, swimming, and cross country during his time at St. Ignatius High School. He continued his athletic career at Miami University, graduating in 2021 after four years on the Club Baseball team, where he served as Treasurer and Team Captain.

It was during an optional workout in his freshman year that a teammate introduced Evan to functional fitness—an introduction that would shape his entire athletic journey. He was immediately drawn to the camaraderie, challenge, and community that functional fitness offered. By his junior year, Evan began coaching at the campus functional fitness gym, and during his senior year, he stepped into the role of Head Coach and Programmer.

When it came time to hang up his baseball cleats, CrossFit and functional fitness filled the competitive void that had always been central to his life. Since college, Evan has continued to pursue training and competition, participating in over ten CrossFit competitions between 2021 and 2025 and earning multiple podium finishes. Additionally, Evan is set to earn his CrossFit Level 1 Trainer (CF‑L1) certification in February of 2026, further solidifying his commitment to coaching and athlete development.

Still, what keeps him coming back is simple—the people. After moving to downtown Cleveland in 2022, he joined PHYT and quickly found his favorite hour of the day: the one where you leave your stress at the door and work toward becoming a better version of yourself. For Evan, the greatest part of the gym isn’t hitting a PR or crushing a workout—it’s sharing the space with people from every background who show up for the same purpose.

Outside the gym, Evan works in Corporate Finance at Sherwin-Williams and serves as a volunteer coach for The First Tee of Cleveland. His future goals include completing a Half Ironman and finally securing his first beer league volleyball and softball championship. When he’s not training or coaching, you’ll find him golfing, playing rec sports, exploring new wineries, or cheering loudly at just about any Cleveland sporting event.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Business – (Major: Accounting, Minor: Human Capital Management and Leadership) - Miami University (Oxford, OH)

Continuing Education:

• CrossFit L1 

Athletic Achievements

• Multiple wins and podium finishes in local CrossFit Competitions (many with Coach Chase)

• Division 1 NCBA Player of Month multiple times

• 2x Varsity Baseball Letterman St. Ignatius High School (state semifinal team)

• 1x Varsity Swimming Letterman St. Ignatius High School

• 4-year Cross Country Runner – St. Ignatius High School (could not run an 18 min 5k to legger lol) – my running still stinks

• VeloSano Bike for the Cure 50 miler

• 2008 YMCA Family of the Year

• Successfully completed a beer mile