The training philosophy at the Sports Center is simple but effective. Eat right, put in the work, and improve your quality of life. There are no magic formulas, pills or fad diets that will ever work as well as a long-term commitment to a balanced strategy of exercise and proper nutrition. Our training staff is here to guide you and support you through your own individual plan. We have years of experience and an incredibly talented staff.
We require that our trainers have an exercise related degree and/or Personal Training Certification, in addition to continuing education classes. We take a scientific approach to your success and working with a trainer will ensure more consistent results. Everyone can benefit from the accountability and positive motivation that comes with working with a trainer.
Allison
Allison is an ECU alumni with a B.S. in Health and Fitness Specialty. She has experience training everyone from professional athletes to Special Force military populations.
Her favorite style of working out would be a mix between traditional & functional training to make every day better and with a higher quality of life.
She is a certified:
- Personal Trainer – ACSM
- Weightlifting Coach – USAW
- Perinatal Fitness Specialist – ProNatal
- Swim Instructor & Lifeguard – American Red Cross
Jeff
Jeffrey Brown: USMC Veteran 97-06, US ARMY 07-08.
I started working out at the age of 13. It’s not just a hobby; it is a lifestyle. I am a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Performance Enhancement Specialist, and Certified Nutrition Coach.
A healthy mind and body are synergistic, and you cannot achieve one without the other. Proper nutrition and exercise are an investment in life longevity. How much have you invested?
I look forward to helping you achieve your fitness goals.
Gustavo Sanchez, Sensei
Gustavo has been teaching judo for fifty years, beginning in Bogotá, Colombia. He earned his Sho Dan black belt in 1996 and now holds the rank of Go Dan fifth degree. He competes as part of the Veterans Judo USA Team at local, national, and international levels.
His recent accomplishments include silver at the 2024 Panamericans in Bogotá, gold at the Veterans Open in South Carolina, gold at the 2025 Panamericans in Cancun, and seventh place at the World Veterans Championships in Paris. He has been recognized multiple times as the USA Judo Federation’s Number 1 Instructor of the Year.
Throughout his career, Gustavo has developed students from beginners to champions and promoted many to black belt. He has also taught in various BJJ and mixed-martial-arts schools, earning a Jiu-Jitsu brown belt for competition and a black belt in fighting Jiu-Jitsu. His Go Dan rank is recognized by the Judo Black Belt Association NAAU.
Gustavo loves teaching students of all ages and skill levels and is excited to begin coaching at The Sports Center of Morehead.
Master Sensei Sanchez
Grant
Grant Kelley is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). These days, you can find Grant over at our state of the art sister facility, The Sports Center Performance Zone where he run youth sports performance classes, adult fitness classes and much more.
To learn more, or connect with Grant visit: https://scperformancezone.com/
Lauren “Ren”
Lauren Baker is a dynamic health and wellness professional with over 20 years of experience, specializing in injury prevention, post-rehabilitation conditioning, and sustainable behavior change strategies. From high school athletes to professional organizations like the Chicago Bears and Washington Capitals, Olympic gymnasts, and U.S. Marines, Lauren’s expertise spans soccer, football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, lacrosse, volleyball, TRX training, HIIT, and functional fitness. As a health coach with Noom, Lauren supported clients in achieving sustainable lifestyle improvements across nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, hydration, and recovery—earning a stellar 98% client retention rate.
Read More
Her home health experience further underscores her compassionate care, designing personalized plans to empower independent living for individuals recovering from strokes, managing chronic conditions like diabetes and dementia, or living with intellectual disabilities. As a retired National Board Certified Athletic Trainer with credentials in good standing, and a Certified Personal Trainer, Lauren combines technical expertise with advanced education—a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Michigan State University and a Master of Arts in Behavioral Health and Social Science from Columbia University. Her passion for wellness shines through in her ability to create impactful programs, including combat fitness initiatives for the U.S. Marine Corps and brain health coaching for individuals with dementia biomarkers. Lauren is excited to bring her expertise to the members and prospective members of Sports Center of Morehead City and the vibrant Morehead City community. Whether unlocking athletic potential or fostering sustainable lifestyle transformations, her mission is to inspire every client to discover the hero within and build a healthier, stronger, and more balanced life.
Nicole
Nicole has a bachelor’s degree in Sports and Health Sciences from American Military University and is a certified personal trainer through ACE. She has spent most of her life attached to the military in one form or another. Growing up as an Air Force brat, she traveled the world, then joined the Coast Guard before becoming a Coast Guard spouse. Nicole’s dedication toward fitness bloomed with kickboxing, then deepened even more after she began studying martial arts. She currently holds a second degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She is also an avid equestrian, with a soft spot for retired thoroughbred race horses. With over 30 years of experience in the saddle, Nicole is currently retraining her own retired track horse in hunter jumpers. Her goal is to help others reach their fitness goals by focusing on form, function, and core stability through challenging, yet achievable, workouts.
Yvens
Yvens Monfleury is from New Jersey and got into fitness during his freshman year of college, initially as a way to manage stress and improve his mental health. He played collegiate basketball at the Division II level, and what began as quick home workouts quickly grew into a genuine passion for strength training and nutrition.
Over time, he experienced not just physical changes, but a complete mindset shift—becoming more confident, focused, and disciplined. Fitness is now a major part of his lifestyle, and he’s passionate about helping others begin their own journey, no matter where they’re starting from.
Tabatha
Tabatha has been a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor for more than 20 years and currently serves as the Group Fitness Director at The Sports Center of Morehead City. She graduated from East Carolina University with a BS in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Psychology.
Her coaching background spans competitive gymnastics and cheerleading, track and field, CrossFit, Olympic weightlifting, pre and postnatal fitness, Rock Steady Boxing, and more. Tabatha brings a deep passion for movement, skill development, and helping people feel confident in their bodies at every stage of life.
Spencer
Spencer Hardy is an NCSF certified trainer with a lifelong passion for fitness. After playing football for a number of years, Spencer is now concentrating on CrossFit. He focuses on helping his clients build sustainable habits, move with confidence, and most importantly reaching goals they once thought were out of realsh. Whether you’re new to the gym or looking to elevate your performance, he creates programs that meet you where you are and push you towards where you want to be. His mission is to guide, motivate, and educate you so that you can be the best version of yourself physically and mentally.