Zeth Barron

I have been passionate about CrossFit for many years, but my journey as an athlete and coach has been anything but conventional. Growing up, I was deeply immersed in athletics, but I wasn’t always the most naturally gifted athlete. To keep up with those around me, I had to rely on hard work, determination, and a commitment to mastering the fundamentals. This approach shaped my perspective and gave me a unique edge as a coach—I know what it’s like to push through challenges and refine the small details that lead to big improvements. My introduction to CrossFit came early. In 2007, my high school coaches introduced me to the old-school CrossFit.com Workouts of the Day (WODs). Even though I enjoyed the intensity and variety, I didn’t fully immerse myself in CrossFit until 2015, after wrapping up my collegiate careers in football and track. That’s when I truly embraced the methodology and began to see how it could enhance every aspect of fitness and athletic performance. Since joining Koda CrossFit Norman in 2015, the gym has been my second home. In 2017, I transitioned from member to staff, bringing my passion for coaching and my athlete’s mindset to our community. As a coach, I’m dedicated to helping others discover their potential, whether they’re chasing PRs, improving their fitness for everyday life, or taking the first step in their CrossFit journey. My own experiences have taught me that success comes from consistency, grit, and a willingness to embrace the process—lessons I aim to pass on to every athlete I work with.

Turning points in life force us to take a hard look at who we are and what we’re capable of, and for me, that moment came when I realized I was chasing the wrong identity. I grew up a Christian, always knowing about God and the Bible, but for a long time, I let my identity be wrapped up in my performance—on the field, in the gym, or in life. I worked hard because I felt like I had to prove myself, but no matter how much I achieved, it never felt like enough. The enemy in my story was that need to perform, fueled by self-doubt and the fear of not being good enough. It wasn’t until I truly started finding my identity in Christ that things began to change. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 hit me like a ton of bricks: “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” That verse reminded me that I don’t have to strive to prove my worth—Jesus already proved it on the cross. My motivation shifted from trying to be enough for myself and others to living for Him because of what He’s done for me. It’s no longer about earning approval but about responding to His love. That change in perspective doesn’t mean the enemy of self-doubt or performance-driven thinking is gone, but now I know where my strength comes from. I don’t work hard to prove myself anymore—I work hard because He’s already proven Himself for me. As a coach, I want others to find that same freedom, whether they’re battling self-doubt, fear of failure, or anything else. Life is so much fuller when you know who you’re really living for.

My purpose for coaching goes far beyond helping people lift heavier weights or hit faster times. I coach because I want to empower others to discover their full potential—physically, mentally, and spiritually. I’m passionate about serving people who are ready to work hard, face challenges head-on, and grow in every area of their lives. Whether you’re stepping into the gym for the first time or chasing new PRs, I want to help you see what you’re capable of and remind you that you’re not defined by your successes or failures. My motivation comes from my faith and my identity in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 reminds me why I do what I do: “For Christ’s love compels us… that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” Coaching is one way I get to live that out—helping others become stronger, more confident, and better equipped to live their lives with purpose. If you’re someone who wants to grow not just as an athlete but as a person, and you’re ready to put in the work to chase your goals, I’d love to be part of your journey. My goal is to help you live for something bigger than yourself and find joy in the process, one workout at a time.