The RAC Coaching Staff

Meet Your
Coaches.

Certified, experienced, and genuinely invested in your goals — twelve coaches bringing real competitive and professional experience to every class.

The Team

Coaches Who’ve
Been There.

Every coach at RAC brings real certifications and real experience — from competitive athletics to decades of group fitness instruction.

Lauren Rutan — Founder, Rutan Athletic Club
Lauren Rutan
Founder
IFBB Pro 67.5kg Master World Champion 2 World Records

Current Team USA IPL member and 67.5kg Master World Champion, with 2 world records, 5 national records, and 25+ state records. Former junior Olympic gymnast, 2x Regional CrossFit athlete, and D1 cheerleader at Kent State. Six certifications spanning strength & conditioning, nutrition, speed & agility, 50+ fitness, women’s fitness, and youth athletic development.

Linda Manse Skemp — Fitness Coach, Rutan Athletic Club
Linda Manse Skemp
Fitness Coach
25+ Years Teaching Yoga Alliance 500-Hr

“I have been teaching fitness classes for over 25 years and have achieved several types of certifications.” Also Office Manager/Controller at Toth Buick GMC. Enjoys paddle boarding and grilled salmon.

Lori Lucius — Coach, Rutan Athletic Club
Lori Lucius
Coach
Former Girls on the Run Mentor

Risk Manager for a national construction company by day. Played softball in high school and later ran 5Ks and half marathons. “My desire to help others with positive motivation is what I hope to bring as a coach to RAC.”

Nalana Kardos — Fitness Coach, Rutan Athletic Club
Nalana Kardos
Fitness Coach
Group Fitness Barre HIIT

“You are the greatest project you will ever work on.” After a 36-year corporate career, Nalana is transitioning her focus to fitness full-time. Volunteers at One of a Kind Pet Rescue.

Melissa Gantz — Personal Trainer & Fitness Coach, Rutan Athletic Club
Melissa Gantz
Personal Trainer & Fitness Coach
5 Years Personal Training & Group Fitness 20+ Years as a PTA

Melissa has experience working with athletes, general fitness clients, older adults, and individuals recovering from injuries. Drawing on more than 20 years as a Physical Therapist Assistant, she emphasizes proper form and creates workouts tailored to each client’s goals, abilities, and needs. “I love helping people discover what they’re capable of, build confidence, and enjoy getting stronger.”

Rachel Graber — Personal Trainer, Rutan Athletic Club
Rachel Graber
Personal Trainer
NASM Group Training Specialist

“My approach to training is rooted in intention, education, and challenge.” Over 5 years of experience with athletes, general population, older adults, and post-injury clients. Semi-professional Ultimate Frisbee athlete and 2x USAU Club Nationals qualifier.

Jen Williams — Coach, Rutan Athletic Club
Jen Williams
Coach
Spin Instructor Personal Trainer

“I’ve been part of the fitness community since I was 20, starting with a passion for running.” Has completed 10 half marathons and coached for over 15 years. Wife, mother of three, and proud Frenchie owner.

Lauren Hmiel — Coach, Rutan Athletic Club
Lauren Hmiel
Coach
CrossFit L1 & L2 11+ Years Coaching

Teacher at Perry High School for 14 years. Played basketball at Ohio University and holds a Master’s from the University of Akron. “I have always been an active person who loves learning new things!”

Stacy DeLuca — Coach, Rutan Athletic Club
Stacy DeLuca
Coach
Level 1 CrossFit Trainer

22 years with Akron Public Schools working with children with special needs. Played volleyball, basketball, and track in high school; now plays sand volleyball, pickleball, and indoor soccer. “My passion is helping individuals find a love for health and fitness.”

Darcy Thompson — Personal Trainer, Rutan Athletic Club
Darcy Thompson
Personal Trainer
ASFA Certified CrossFit L1 Olympic Lifting

3-sport Division 1 athlete at Robert Morris University and a state champion pole vaulter from West Virginia. Former D1 volleyball assistant coach at Dayton, Villanova, and Youngstown State. 14 years in the fitness industry; currently competes in CrossFit.

Kristen Zwick — Personal Trainer, Rutan Athletic Club
Kristen Zwick
Personal Trainer
NCEP Certified since 2017

Certified in Lincoln Park, Chicago, training women of all ages ever since. French/Spanish teacher with over 12 years of experience, mother of four. Favorite workouts are Metcon-style, with an affinity for TRX.

Fred Parshall — RAC Member Success Story
Fred Parshall
Member Success Story
Lost 30 lbs at RAC

“If you don’t use it — you lose it.” Lost 30 lbs and got his running back through RAC’s Strength & Conditioning program after years of fluctuating fitness. Architecture background and lifelong rugby player.

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Train With Coaches
Who Care

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