

Our Core Values
Safety: We work hard to provide an environment that is accepting, friendly and safe. A place where people can forget their worries and focus strictly on their mental and physical health. We are committed to correct movement techniques and mechanics in order to prevent injuries, master skills and optimize performance.
Community: We are dedicated to providing our members with an atmosphere of camaraderie, encouragement, support, motivation and respect while working toward individual fitness goals. We strive to keep an open, honest line of communication with our athletes and expect the same in return. Our community values extend past the walls of the gym. We strive to be supportive of our communities needs and respond accordingly. We want our members to have a fun and positive experience at every visit while challenging them at the same time.
Proficiency: We want to provide the best-qualified and trained staff possible. Our proficiency should elicit your trust and confidence in our ability to do that. Coaches will make every effort to create opportunities to excel and expect athletes to apply themselves with equal dedication in order to fully realize their potential. We are committed to constant progression in overall wellness. We are humbled by the realization that we can always do better.
Covid 19 Updates
Operation: Return To Fitness
The health and well-being of our community has always been our #1 priority at Dawson CrossFit. In response to COVID-19, we have instituted many new policies and procedures to better serve you. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Limiting WODs to 21 athletes
* Clearly marked “Athlete Stations”, 10′ x 10′ to enforce social distancing
* Ample walkways between stations
* Equipment placed near each station to limit athlete congregation
* Individual cleaning setups in each Athlete Station
* Require wipe down of all surfaces in each Athlete Station before and after each WOD
* Cleaning of floors by DCF staff in each station between each WOD
* Increased time between classes to allow for athlete turn-over
We will continue to navigate these times as best as we can with our member’s health and well-being at the top of our priority list. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let us know how we can make your experience at Dawson CrossFit even better!

Chip Sweatte (Owner / CF-L2)
Bio
Chip is a 1980 graduate of North Georgia College. He’s a retired army officer with almost 7 years of CrossFit experience. Chip is married to Lynn and together they have two children, Heather and John. Heather is married and has one child, Lyra. John is married and has two children, Elliott and Quinn.
Qualifications
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, USA Weightlifting Level I Coach, CrossFit Endurance Trainer, CrossFit Movement and Mobility Certification, and CPR / AED Certified
Accomplishments
Masters Degree in Business, Married 36 years, 21+ years of United States Military service, Co-owner of Southeastern Body Fat Testing, and Co-owner CrossFit Dahlonega
Favorite WOD
“Anything with burpees or pinch plate carries!”
Least Favorite WOD
“All of them!”

Lynn Sweatte (Owner / CF-L2)
Bio
Lynn feels she is so blessed – far beyond what she could ever deserve. She has a wonderful, loving husband who, by her accounts, has done everything in his power to make all her dreams come true for the past 34 years. He’s taken her on wild adventures from Alaska to the Mojave Desert and made it possible for her to own and race a Formula race car. Lynn & Chip gave birth to 2 amazing children, Heather and John, and through their children’s wise and loving choices in marriage, they acquired 2 more amazing children, Chris and Lauren and 4 beautiful, loving and brilliant grandchildren. (Yes, that’s Grammy talkin’.) Lynn’s been some kind of teacher/trainer all of her life. She was a swimming instructor and coach, and a Girl Scout leader of the northernmost girl scout troop in America (Fairbanks, Alaska.) She has taught every grade, k-12 (except 5th ??) and taught at the Command & General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. After 18 or was it 19 moves (?? does it matter ?? ) in their first 21 years of marriage, Lynn & Chip moved to Dawsonville where she finished her teaching career at Dawson County Middle School. Lynn & Chip had been Crossfitting for about 2 years and had experienced life-changing results in health and wellness and she & Chip wanted to share this with their neighbors and friends who live and work in the Dawson County community so they opened Dawson Crossfit. It is a source of great friendship and because Crossfit is adaptable for every person of every age, shape, size, and ability, it is totally inclusive. ANY & EVERYONE can do this and is welcome to try out a free class!.
Qualifications
Nothing without the grace of God but with His help, Wife & Homemaker for 35+ yrs, Mother & grandmother, Grad – UNG – BS & MS degree, 1985 MIDNIGHT Marathon, Fairbanks, AK & numerous ½ Marathons, Licensed SCCA Competition Driver, 2010 SCCA Rookie of the Year @ 50 yrs old!, Co-owner of and clinician for Southeastern Body Fat Tests, and Getting a kipping pull again after shoulder surgery on both shoulders
Accomplishments
Crossfit Level 1 & 2, Crossfit Movement & Mobility Cert, Crossfit – 8 yrs, Crossfit Trainer – 6 yrs, and CPR/AED certified
Favorite WOD
“The ones that I didn’t think I could do!”
Least Favorite WOD
“Can’t think of one??”

Luke Syfert (Head Coach / CF-L2)
Bio
Luke graduated from Dawson County HS in 1996 and played college baseball at Southern Wesleyan University. After graduating in 2001 from SWU, played one year of pro ball in the independent league in New York. In 2007 he married his amazing wife, they have two wonderful daughters who both love Crossfit. His heart is to share the love of Jesus through building long-lasting relationships with the athletes he competes with and coaches at CrossFit.
Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1 & 2 Trainer, Collegiate Assistant Baseball Coach, Strength and conditioning coach for SWU baseball, 15 years of Crossfit experience, and 10 years as a Crossfit Trainer
Accomplishments
Jesus Christ chose me while I was still a sinner, Husband to Lauren and a father to Chloe and Josalin, College and Professional Baseball player, Masters Degree in Counseling, and 12 years as a pastor
Favorite WOD
“A finished one”
Least Favorite WOD
“Does not exist”

Jennifer Akin (HIIT-Fit Coach)
Bio
Jennifer is currently working on receiving a bachelor’s in Health and Fitness with a minor in Business from the University of North Georgia in Gainesville. She is a native of Hall County and has truly enjoyed getting to know the Dawson CrossFit community. In her free time she loves weightlifting, but her most favorite thing to do is hang out with the nephews. Jennifer looks forward to helping others reach their fitness goals through the platform she’s been given here at Dawson CrossFit. Stop by HIIT class and say hi. She can’t wait to meet you!
Qualifications
Group Fitness Instructor certification
CPR/AED certified

Shelli Allison (CF-L2)
Bio
Shelli has been enjoying being a CrossFit athlete since 2011. She started out at CrossFit Dahlonega, but found her home here, at Dawson CrossFit, in 2013. Shelli has a 15 year old son that keeps her on her toes! In 2016 she married her best friend, Jimmy.
Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
Favorite WOD
“Anything with sit-ups, double-unders, and weight lifting!”
Least Favorite WOD
“Anything that involves running over 200 meters!”

Samantha Bunch (CF-L1)
Bio
Samantha has 3 years of CrossFit experience. Looking to make a change and get healthy, her and her husband, Jamey, joined a box together in 2016. She loved the positive changes it was having so much that she immediately acquired her L-1. Samantha is mama to 12 year old CrossFit teen, Jacob. She has a passion for all things health and wellness, and considers herself a naturalist.
Qualifications
CrossFit Level-1 Trainer Certificate and CrossFit Judge Qualified
Accomplishments
Owns FitBunch MealPrep – meal service providing members of Dawson CrossFit the option for ready-made, nutritional meals.
Favorite WOD
“Open Workout 17.1″

Kate Drevlow (CF-L1)
Bio
I received my BS from the University of Miami in Public Relations with a double major in Psychology. I am a proud Army wife who has lived all over the U.S. and also overseas. I began Crossfit in 2014 and went on to complete my L1 Certification in 2016 at Crossfit Mayhem in TN. Soon after completing my L1 in CF, I found an interest in the Olympic lifts. I became part of Solafide Barbell Club in TN where my interest and passion for weightlifting grew. I learned a lot from incredible coaches there. I received my USAW L1 Certification in 2019 in GA and continue to desire to learn and grow in things regarding Crossfit and Weightlifting. One of my favorite quotes from the L1 course is ‘Program for the best and scale for the rest.’ Crossfit can be for anyone and everyone who has interest and passion in setting goals and growing towards improved health and fitness. I’ve completed WODs next to leg amputees, worldwide Crossfit champions, and many others ranging between in both age and physical ability. The greatest thing about this sport is that there are scaled movements for all and even the most advanced and elite athletes can continue to set new goals for themselves. Raising the bar for myself and others is an important part of my journey. I’ve not arrived and am here to chase down new goals for myself and help others be victorious in setting and chasing down new goals for themselves. I’d love to encourage you in your journey towards improved health and fitness.
Qualifications
Accomplishments
Favorite WOD
“Anything with Oly lifts, KB swings, and WBs”

Charlie Eison (CF-L1)
Bio
Looking for something active and a way to get in shape together, Charlie and his amazing wife Melissa found Dawson CrossFit 5 years ago. Through this, Charlie discovered his passion for the sport, and more importantly, helping others on their journey. Charlie received his Level 1 Trainers Certificate in March of 2018 at CrossFit Atlanta.
Charlie is a graduate of Forsyth Central High School. He attended Oglethorpe University on a full academic scholarship studying Mathematics and Business. Charlie and Melissa have been married for over 20 years and have two sons, Turner and Tyler. Over the years, Charlie has coached over 16 seasons of youth sports.
Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, NASM CES, CrossFit Scaling Course, CrossFit Spot the Flaw Course, and CPR / AED Certified
Accomplishments
Founder and CEO of ESN Enterprises, Inc., and TrulyTen Technologies. Completed half marathon, Amateur poker player on the WSOP Circuit.
Favorite WOD
“ Anything with Russian Twists, GHDs, and running!”
Least Favorite WOD
“Fight Gone Bad!”

Kelley Muller (CF-L1)
Bio
Kelley has 5 years of Crossfit experience and 2 years of training experience after receiving her Level 1 Trainer certification in August 2016 at Crossfit Atlanta. Kelley is a Nurse at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling and being outdoors.
Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1 Certification and CPR / AED Certified
Accomplishments
Bachelors Degree of Science in Nursing, Bachelors Degree of Art in Studio Art, and Former College Basketball Player
Favorite WOD
“Anything with running and burpees”
Least Favorite WOD
“Anything with wall balls”

Stefanie Phillips (CF-L1)
Bio
Moved to Dawson Co in 1995 & Graduated from Dawson Co High School in 1999. Graduated from UNG in 2005 & 2015. Married Jason Phillips & we had our daughter, Jules, in 2006. We have been doing CrossFit as a family since 2014 when we started @ CrossFit Dahlonega. We enjoy WOD’ing as a family @ home & in the gym. My days are busy working and trying to keeping up with Jules’s very busy schedule, & coaching @ DCF.
Qualifications
Accomplishments
Favorite WOD
Least Favorite WOD
Fran

Codey Pitts (CF-L1)
Bio
Codey is a Cobb County Firefighter. He played high school and college soccer. Codey is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie and has two years of CrossFit experience. He’s even got himself a strong CrossFit wife!
Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1 Certification, Firefighter/EMT, and CPR Certified
Accomplishments
2001 Tullulah Gorge Horseshoe Champion, 2013 Cobb Fire Department Fitness Award, and Played soccer at Truett McConnell College
Favorite WOD
“Murph done the right way with a 20lb vest and no partitioning!”
Least Favorite WOD
“Nothing, bring it on!”

Kelley Podsen (CF-L2)
Bio
2009 Bachelors of Science degree in Athletic training from Kent State University. 2012 Masters of Science degree in Physical Education from University Of North Georgia. Crossfitting since 2011. Married to Blake Podsen with 2 children, Kendall and Jace.
Qualifications
Crossfit Level 2 Trainer, Certified Athletic Trainer, FMS Level 2, Rocktape Level 2, and Rockblade Level 1
Accomplishments
Completed Masters Degree and 5 years of marriage
Favorite WOD
“Anything with body weight movements and snatches”
Least Favorite WOD
“Anything with wallballs”

Mariah Provost (CF-L1)
Bio
Mariah graduated Lee University with BS in Health and Physical Education K-12. She is an instructor at a Therapeutic Wilderness program. She is a health and PE teacher at Liberty Middle School. CrossFit coach at CF Dahlonega, CF Alpharetta, CF North Fulton, CF STAND.
Also, wife to legend Sean Provost, Mom to Noah and Maddox.
Qualifications
CrossFit Level 1, CrossFit Kids, CrossFit Movement and Mobility, CrossFit Weightlifting, CrossFit Goal Setting, CrossFit Nutrition, 10 years CrossFitting, and 8 years Coaching CrossFit
Accomplishments
2009 Individual CrossFit Games Competitor, 2009, 2010, 2011 Regional Competitor, 40+ CrossFit Competitions, Former Gym owner/programmer, Kids coach @ CrossFit Dahlonega & CrossFit STAND, and Coached hundreds of people to significant, lasting, life change through Crossfit methodology, nutrition and mindset changes.
Favorite WOD
“Most WODs, especially, Nate, Helen, and Nasty Girls”
Least Favorite WOD
“Kelly and Karen”

Sam Reed (CF-L1)
Bio
Sam has been a part of the Dawson Crossfit community for over 4 years. He received his Level-1 Trainer Certification at Crossfit Memphis in 2018. He is a Full-Time FCA Area Representative in Dawson/Forsyth area schools. He and his wife, Kelsey, are parents to a fun baby boy named Cohen.
Qualifications
Crossfit Level 1 Certifications and 4 Years Crossfit Experience
Accomplishments
2006- NACA All-National Basketball Team, 2007- Shooting Guard for Point University, 2011- UNG Intramural Athlete of the Year, 2013- Masters of Theology- Liberty University, and 2017- Surviving Hurricane Irma Twice
Favorite WOD
“Remembering a dear friend who sacrificed all for our freedom.
“Weston Lee” (Time Cap 35 Mins.)
800m Burden Carry
29 Burpee Pull-Ups
4 Rope Climbs
29 Ring Dips
4 Rope Climbs
29 Burpee Box Overs (30/24)
800 Burden Carry”
Least Favorite WOD
“Anything more than 7RFT or involving more than 200m run.”

Lauren Syfert (HIIT-Fit Coach)
Bio
Homeschooling mama of her two beautiful daughters, Chloe and Josalin. Married to the hunky, Luke Syfert (A Dawson CrossFit coach). Lover of Jesus and his merciful grace. Dog mama to her beloved golden doodle named Wrigley. She is a social introvert (does that even make sense?). Back in the day she competed as a level 8 gymnast.
She is excited about her new role as a HIIT Fit coach.
Qualifications
Group Fitness Instructor certification
CPR/AED certified

Dylan Wahlstrom (CF-L1)
Bio
Dylan is a Senior Product Design Manager at Atlanta based company, SalesLoft. He has almost two years of CrossFit experience and has successfully lost 120+ lbs. over the last two years. Dylan has been married for 8 years and has two daughters, Kagen and Kensi. He is a musician and also builds freelance websites. Feel free to ask anything about nutrition or weight loss.
Qualifications
Crossfit Level 1 Certification
Accomplishments
Lost 120+ lbs. in less than a year with diet and exercise.
Senior Product Design Manager at SalesLoft
Favorite WOD
“A nice long chipper or anything with an Assault Bike”
Least Favorite WOD
“Anything with a mile+ run!”