Our Coaching Staff
Sam Smith
Originally from Celina, Ohio Sam developed a passion for athletics at a young age, excelling in both varsity football and track. His commitment to fitness led him to pursue a deeper understanding of exercise science, and in 2022, Sam graduated from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
With over three years of hands-on experience in both youth and adult training across private and corporate settings, Sam has honed his coaching expertise, particularly in foundational movements such as squats, pulls, and presses. He believes that mastering these fundamental movements is key to long-term athletic success, as they create a solid foundation for any sport or physical activity.
Sam's coaching philosophy centers around using training as a tool to foster hard work, discipline, and consistency in young athletes. He is dedicated to pushing athletes beyond their comfort zones, introducing small doses of adversity through challenging workouts. By doing so, Sam prepares his athletes not only to excel in their respective sports but also to face life's inevitable challenges with resilience and determination.
Sam is committed to continuing his education in the field of fitness and coaching to ensure he provides the highest level of training for all his athletes.
CPR/AED, CSCS, NSCA-CPT
Liz Van Winkle
Liz is the Program Director for Columbus Speed School. She oversees the training programming, coach development, special events, community outreach, and overall athlete experience. She loves working with athletes of all ages, building relationships, and challenging them to do their best and push past what they thought was possible.
Coach Liz is originally from Amherst Ohio, where she played varsity basketball and volleyball. Hungry for a challenge and a way to channel her athletic roots, Liz walked through the doors of Friendship Fitness in 2012 as a client and transitioned into a full time coaching role in 2016.
Liz has two daughters, Addie (11) and Tess (9) and is married to Jim, who is a teacher and basketball coach in Hilliard. She enjoys coaching her daughters' basketball teams and watching them compete in soccer, gymnastics, and flag football as well! She is currently the Varsity Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at Hilliard Davidson High School and is in charge of the strength and conditioning program. Liz believes in athletics and fitness as vehicles for character development, mindset training, and skills to use in all areas of life.
CFL3, CrossFit Kids, CPR/AED
Parisi Certified
Bailey Burkholder
Born and raised in Dublin, Ohio, Bailey has been passionate about fitness and movement for as long as she can remember. With 15 years of gymnastics experience, she developed a strong foundation in strength, discipline, and body awareness—skills that now fuel her coaching. Bailey has been coaching for over three years, working with both adults and kids in class settings, one-on-one, and small groups. Her favorite thing to coach is gymnastics movements, and she love helping athletes gain new skills like pull-ups, handstands, and muscle-ups.
More than just physical training, Bailey believes fitness is a powerful tool for healing—both physically and mentally. Her goal as a coach is to help people build confidence, overcome challenges, and realize their full potential. Whether it’s refining technique, improving strength, or simply finding joy in movement, Bailey wants every athlete she works with to leave feeling accomplished.
Bailey is especially passionate about working with kids and using fitness as a way to support mental health. Movement has the power to create confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. No matter where you’re starting from, Bailey is here to support and challenge you on your journey!
CFL1, CrossFit Kids, CPR/AED
Parisi Certified
Hannah Morris
Coach Hannah joined Friendship as a client with a unique perspective on fitness. While she didn’t have a traditional sports upbringing, her early experiences playing volleyball and rugby in high school sparked her interest in wellness. Although her college years were focused on academics and her career initially took precedence, she embraced the challenge of becoming an athlete in her 20s and now her 30s, demonstrating incredible determination and resilience.
With a Master’s Degree in Special Education, Coach Hannah serves as a Preschool Intervention Specialist, dedicating her time to empowering young children and students with special needs. Her work is about building confidence and independence, making a meaningful daily impact on their lives.
Through her experience as a client at Friendship and her professional background, Coach Hannah recognized an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the realm of physical fitness and wellness for our youth. In 2023, she transitioned into a coaching role at Friendship and eagerly embraced the chance to help launch the Columbus Speed School.
As a coach, Coach Hannah is dedicated to fostering confidence and independence in all her clients, whether they are young athletes or adults. She takes immense pride in empowering everyone she encounters, and it brings her great joy to promote self-assurance and awareness among our youngest clients.
Outside of the gym, you can find Coach Hannah at home with her dog Frankie, spending time with her friends, or visiting her family in Cleveland and Arizona.
CFL1, CrossFit Kids, CPR/AED
Parisi Certified