- COO / Director of Finance and Admin    

CEO and Director of “Finance and Administration.” Mr. Cushing will be responsible for guiding and directing financial control activities as well as overseeing the “Training & Membership” division. Mr. Cushing completed his undergraduate degree (BA in Public Administration) at the University of Maine at Orono in 1997.

Dennis has been a ACSM Certified Health & Fitness Instructor for over 5 years. As a member of both IDEA and the NSCA he is both engaged in the Personal Training arena as well as the Strength & Conditioning market. Dennis has recently taken the (CSCS) Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist offered through the NSCA. While working with a variety of clients Dennis has helped them attain goals of weight loss, muscular strength, increased flexibility and overall improved self confidence. As a former college basketball player at Colby-Sawyer College (New Hampshire) Dennis has first-hand experience with athletes that are seeking more from their talents. As a local high school basketball coach, Dennis understands the importance of hard work and a solid off-season conditioning routine. With a passion towards team and individual training he hopes to continue a “tradition of excellence” at Team Elite. “My clients are my testimony. They are like another extension of my family. I can only hope I continue to provide an elite level of customer satisfaction, knowledge of my craft and service to my customers . My goal is to become one of the top strength and conditioning coaches in Virginia Beach!” Mr. Cushing resides in Virginia Beach with his lovely wife Melissa and his beautiful daughters Kylie and Baby Hope.

Contact: dcushing@teamelitesc.com

- CEO / Director of Sales and Marketing    

CEO and Director of Sales and Marketing, Mr. Kurpiel’s primary duties are to oversee the “Strength and Conditioning” division through leadership, direction and control over the sales reps (trainers) while assisting them in attaining the company’s goals. Ryan studied exercise and sports studies at Radford University while minoring in Sports Administration. 

As an Advanced Personal Trainer (NCSF Certified), Ryan has worked with various clients on many different fitness levels, ranging in ages from 7 to 77. Ryan helps clients reach individual fitness goals, such as, helping women reach pre-pregnancy weight, ensuring military and police personnel pass fitness assessments, and prepares clients for marathons, triathlons and other sporting events. Ryan works to improve the overall health and quality of life for his clients.

He is baseball coach at his Alma Matter, Kellam High School. As a high school coach, he understands how vital injury prevention is. A former college athlete, Ryan has experience with baseball, basketball, football, soccer, golf and competitive running. Ryan knows firsthand how demanding and competitive year round training can be. His multi-athletic background aids in allowing him to improve an athlete’s performance by using cross-training methods to mold the complete athlete. Core strength, balance and flexibility are the key areas to target for injury prevention and ultimate performance. “These are the most under-rated aspects in sports performance. This is an area of weakness for a lot of top athletes, and I want to make it their strength!”

As a lifetime athlete, Ryan’s interests include baseball, basketball, football, running and golf. He continues to stay active by competing in marathons, half-marathons and triathlons.

Ryan’s credentials include membership of NSCA, IDEA and NCSF as well as certifications with NCSF and the Red Cross (CPR). Ryan’s commitment to fitness is reflected by his continuing education in pursuit of his Master’s Degree at Old Dominion University in Sports Administration. 

Contact: rkurpiel@teamelitesc.com

- MS/CSCS Strength Coach    

Joining Team Elite in February of 2008, Myriam graduated from Virginia Tech in May of 2006 where she earned a Master’s Degree in Health Promotion with a concentration in Sports Performance. During her time at Virginia Tech Myriam worked for several years as a Graduate Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach, where she worked with a wide range of teams including Women’s Basketball, Women’s Soccer, Lacrosse, Tennis, Swimming and Diving, Cheerleaders, Track and Field and Softball.

While earning her Bachelor’s Degree at Virginia Tech, Myriam also played on the Women’s Rugby Football club for four years. Aside from weightlifting and rugby, Myriam’s interests also include skiing, rock climbing, lacrosse and tennis. 

Since graduating Myriam worked in a rehabilitation clinic, has done consulting work for American University, and currently works with area soccer players. Myriam is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and hopes to become certified through USA Weightlifting as well, in the near future.

Contact: msouaya@teamelitesc.com

- Strength Coach and Baseball Instructor    

Kyle is currently studying to finish his degree at Old Dominion University in Sports Management with a minor in Management, while focusing on Athletic Training/Strength & Conditioning, and will be graduating in the spring of 2009.  While playing baseball at Cox High School, Kyle was drafted by the Chicago Cubs.  He also received a full scholarship to Old Dominion to play baseball. He later decided to play in the American Association Baseball League of the Independent League, to play for the Shreveport Sports during the summer of 2006.  During the 2006-2007 school year, Kyle decided to help coach as an assistant coach/pitching coach, and strength and conditioning coach at Floyd E. Kellam High School.  He later became the assistant coach and strength & conditioning coach at Frank W. Cox High School.  During the off-season, Kyle is also a winter camp and summer camp instructor for the Cox Falcons baseball team.  

Kyle currently gives baseball pitching and hitting lessons here at Team Elite Strength & Conditioning.  He also offers sports specific strength training to baseball players in the area.  In his free time, Kyle enjoy spending quality time with family and friends.  He also enjoys working out, traveling, going to the beach, and going to live sporting events and concerts.

Contact: shutemdown6@aol.com

- BS/CSCS Strength Coach    

Brian joined Team Elite after graduating from Elon University in May of 2008 with a Bachelors Degree in Exercise/Sport Science. While at Elon, Brian was employed as a personal trainer in 2006 and the Team Leader of the fitness center staff in 2007. While being a personal trainer at Elon, Brian trained clients of all different ages and abilities. He also worked as an intern with the Elon University Strength and Conditioning Program, working with Division I athletes in baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and various other sports. 

In his spare time, Brian enjoys weightlifting, playing sports, and hanging out with friends. Brian feels the most important aspect of training is to focus on is having a strong core and maintaining a healthy diet. A weak core can cause many problems such as poor posture and lower back pain. Poor nutrition can be detrimental to weight loss as well as increase chances of chronic diseases. As a Strength Coach, Brian feels the most important keys to becoming a better athlete is to push the body beyond what it is accustomed to, to train with exercises that are specific to your sport, and a proper recovery period. Brian is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA, and is actively pursuing a certification through USA Weightlifting as well.

Contact: bmaher@teamelitesc.com