Katelin Van Zyl has competing at the CrossFit Games three times. In 2019, she finished 57th as an individual. In 2021 and 2022, Van Zyl competed on CrossFit Urban Energy’s team finishing in 7th and 17th, respectively.
Now, Van Zyl, a mother of two, is looking ahead to the 2023 CrossFit Games season and has made the decision to work with Justin Cotler and the Underdogs Athletics team. The move comes after not having an official coach for several years.
When asked why she made the move, Van Zyl said, “The genuine care that Justin gives to his athletes is very refreshing. I am looking forward to being a part of the Underdog family.”
Cotler, the owner and head coach of Underdog Athletics, shared his excitement to work with Van Zyl, “I have known of Katelin for years, but it was only recently we were connected with each other through one of our Underdogs athletes, Kristine Best. Katelin and I had a chat, I loved her energy and willingness to put in the work, and we decided to give it a go. I think she’s going to have a fantastic 2023 season!”
Van Zyl is definitely going to have a busy off-season. She told us that her goal this off-season is to do as many individual competitions as possible before looking to qualify to the 2023 CrossFit Games out of the Torian Pro Semifinal. And her plan is starting strong; she is currently in 2nd place in the Wodapalooza Online Qualifier after Week 1.
The Underdogs Athletics team is full of athletes who are Games contenders. Van Zyl will be joining the following athletes on the Underdogs Athletics team:
- Ricky Garard
- Alex Gazan
- Kristine Best
- Matt Dlugos
- Alison Scudds
- Kyra Milligan
- Gemma Hauck
- Bronislaw Olenkowicz
- Hal Fisher
We’ve also been told there might be a few more joining the team for 2023. Stay Tuned!
