Mike is the owner, and founder, of COVAL Fitness & Sports Performance in Ann Arbor, MI. Mike’s passion has always lied within the realm of human performance, but it wasn’t until he interned with Indianapolis Fitness & Sports Training (IFAST, named one of America’s Top 10 Gym’s by Men’s Health) that he realized he not only enjoyed helping athletes, but non-athletes that were striving to lose weight, rid chronic aches and pains, and improve their performance both in and out of the gym.

Mike has a strong passion for fitness & sports performance industry and understands that it goes beyond the training sessions. He has put in 1,000’s of hours flooding his brain with information regarding anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and weight training literature in order to best serve the members of COVAL. Mike is also aware that his commitment to the members of COVAL and the Ann Arbor community that goes beyond training, and that delivering the highest quality of service is of utmost importance. That is why he is here to make sure that you have the best experience imaginable when you train at COVAL.

Mike feels extremely fortunate to be able to live his passion on a daily basis with the members of COVAL. He looks forward to continuing to apply all that he has learned, and continues to learn to all of the members of COVAL.

In his spare time Mike enjoys playing basketball, watching basketball, lifting weights (shocker, right ????), reading & spending time with his girlfriend & their dogs (especially Calvin).

Degree: Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from Western Michigan University

Professional Certifications: USAW Sports Performance Level 1, Precision Nutrition Level 1 (Pn 1) Nutrition Coach, Strongfirst (SFG) Level 1 Kettlebell Instructor, FRC (Functional Range Conditioning)

Michaela is the Head Fitness & Performance Coach at COVAL. Michaela has been a vibrant part of the fitness community for over the past 7 years. She has taken on many roles including being a former personal trainer and facilities manager at Eastern Michigan University as well as taking on the responsibilities as a Varsity Women’s High School Basketball coach for her Alumni, Sand Creek High School the past 3 years.

Michaela has always had a passion for fitness as she was a 3-sport athlete in high school (basketball, softball & volleyball) alongside getting an academic and athletic scholarship playing college basketball at the NAIA Division. Between coaching and playing at such competitive levels, she knew she wanted to excel in the fitness profession and help individuals of all ages enrich their bodies both mentally and physically.

Michaela strives to bring a more balanced approach to her training here at COVAL. She is consistently creating positive environments for her clients, building strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as continuously learning and further educating herself so that way she can commit to providing excellent care to every member that walks through the doors at COVAL!

In her free time Michaela enjoys spending time with her family, playing basketball, coaching high school athletes, lifting weights, slow pitch softball, yoga, as well as spending extra time house/dog sitting for clients and friends!

Degree: Bachelors in Sport Performance and Fitness Entrepreneurship from Eastern Michigan University

Masters of Science in Health Education from Eastern Michigan University

Professional Certifications: Precision Nutrition Level 1 (Pn 1)

Jess is a Fitness & Performance Coach at COVAL.

Jess grew up an athlete and went on to play hockey at the University of Michigan, where her passion for fitness and total body wellness emerged as a means of improving her own health and on ice performance. Becoming a student of nutrition and exercise, she immersed herself in upper level Kinesiology classes, as well as anything regarding anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and exercise/performance that she could get her hands on (a practice she continues to this day).

Jess believes that the gym is merely a training ground to strengthen one’s body and mind for improved performance in sport and in life. Jess’ commitment goes beyond the exercise floor, and she feels fortunate to be a part of the COVAL community where her passion for health and wellness can be shared with members on and off of the floor.

Jess believes in the constant pursuit of strength and knowledge, using both as a means to build confidence in one’s abilities. She aims to inspire others to recognize their true potential and invest purposeful effort in their own development in order to maximize their life experience.

Jess’ hobbies include ice hockey, Strongman training, reading, writing, listening to and discovering new music, attending concerts, and hanging out with her wife and their two dogs.

Degree: Bachelors of Science in Movement Science from the University of Michigan Professional Certifications:

Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (CSCS)

Jill is the Facility Manager at Coval Fitness & Sports Performance, and her primary focus is to ensure gym operations are always running smoothly. She enjoys assisting clients in any way she can, and strives to provide an exceptional membership experience for all.

Jill started her health and fitness journey about 5 years ago, realizing that she needed to make some big changes in order to be a healthier and happier version of herself. Through this process, she tried several different fitness programs looking for a gym home, and eventually landed at COVAL as a training client. She could see quickly that the entire COVAL team believed in what they are doing, and their passion shined bright. It was the perfect blend of personalization and community. That was it for her, and this would be her gym home.

She loved being at COVAL so much, that she jumped at chance to work there when the opportunity presented itself. She would get to be part of a team whose entire mission is to help motivate and encourage others to be better versions of themselves, and that was going to be awesome.

What she loves most about working at COVAL is the family atmosphere and sense of belonging for all who enter the door. The clients and staff are truly amazing, and it is simply just a great place to be!

In her spare time, Jill enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working out, educating herself on the mind-body connection, and traveling.

Anmar was born and raised in Ann Arbor where he played and competed at the highest levels in soccer throughout his youth and into adulthood. He was ultimately recruited to play soccer for Eastern Michigan University, and still plays soccer competitively for Michigan United.

Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science from Eastern, Anmar turned his love for soccer and passion for athletics toward coaching and substitute teaching for Ann Arbor Public Schools for the better part of the last ten years. He coached various sports including soccer, track, cross-country, wrestling, volleyball and basketball, and led many teams to win city championships.

After developing a love for coaching, Anmar decided to make a career change and wanted to do more to help people achieve their athletic/fitness goals. Anmar provides a safe and encouraging atmosphere for his clients and lives by three simple words “Care. Train. Repeat.”

Certifications: American Council of Exercise (ACE)

Thomas is a Fitness and Performance Coach and Internship Coordinator at COVAL Fitness & Sports Performance in Ann Arbor, MI. He enjoys helping clients feel comfortable in a gym setting by guiding them through movements in a pain-free manner. Thomas is passionate about influencing other aspiring coaches and passing on his knowledge to prepare them to work with clients. He continuously pursues further education to ensure he can help clients and coaches improve to the best of his ability.

In his spare time, Thomas enjoys being outdoors, reading, and watching or participating in sports.

Degree: BS in Movement Science from the University of Michigan

Certifications: ACE Personal Training