Our Coaches

  • DFF Owner, Tony Miller, standing in front of the Dayton Functional Fitness logo

    Tony Miller

    Tony has over 2 decades experience with fitness. From an early age as a child he played multiple sports and still competes. After a multiple decade career in the corporate world leading sales organizations, Tony launched his dream of DFF. His mission is to positively impact adult and youth athletes beyond just with their training. He believes movement is medicine both physically and mentally. He is dedicated to carrying out the mission of DFF.

  • Premier soccer training coach, Shane Smith.

    Shane Smith

    Shane is known as one of the areas top soccer trainers. He is specialized in skills development and his goal is to help each player reach there top line potential.

    Shane has over a decade of coaching experience. He played collegiate soccer for the University of Mobile and professional soccer for Alamo City Warriors (Premier Arena Soccer League), Houston Leones (USL PDL) and the Dutch Lions (USL Pro).

  • Adult group fitness and personal training coach, Michael Ross.

    Mike Ross

    Coach Mike is a dedicated professional in the health and fitness industry with over a decade of experience in the field. Specializing in strength and conditioning as well as athletic performance, Mike has worked with a wide range of clients, from everyday fitness enthusiasts to elite athletes.

  • Youth speed and agility coach at Dayton Functional Fitness, Hillary Tebo.

    Hilary Tebo

    Hilary Tebo comes to the DFF family with a passion for helping both youth and adults build and maintain healthy habits while achieving their fitness goals. Married to her college sweetheart Dan, with a background in functional fitness, Hilary enjoys staying active by playing softball, coaching athletes and watching her 3 children partake in their sporting events. Hilary is looking forward to helping each of you “embrace the suck” and is looking forward to each of you saying that Hard Work Pays Off (HWPO).

  • Adult group fitness and personal training + nutrition coach, Joel Maestas.

    Joel Maestas

    We are thrilled to formally announce the addition of Coach Joel Maestas to the DFF team! Joel will be coaching on the fitness side of the business. He will be involved in athlete performance training, DFF Adult FIT as well as performing private training!

    Originally from New Mexico, Joel has been living in Dayton since 2022. He is a 15-year Army veteran with deployments to Afghanistan and Honduras. Joel has been coaching since 2013 with a background in CrossFit and Personal Training. He holds a CrossFit Level 2 Certification, a USA Weightlifting Level 1 Certification, and is Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certified. With a deep passion for fitness and helping others achieve their goals, Joel brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the DFF team.

  • Sports performance coach, Markus Hood.

    Markus Hood

    Markus, from Dayton, Ohio, has found success throughout his career as a sports performance coach, both in Ohio and other states. He was a four-year starter at Notre Dame College, where he played in over 50 games and helped secure four conference championships, ultimately achieving success on a national level in postseason play. His personal experiences, combined with the influence of successful family, friends, and mentors, have given him a deep understanding of what it takes to excel as an athlete.

    Since earning his degree in Exercise Science and his MBA from Notre Dame College, Markus has trained some of the nation’s top athletes and teams in Ohio. He has worked with multiple #1-ranked players in the state, including Mr. Ohio in football, as well as state record holders and Ms. Basketball runner-ups. His programming has also contributed to numerous team conference championships across multiple sports.

  • Goalkeeping coach, Martin Ellis.

    Martin Ellis

    Bio:
    - Played at Wilmington College
    - Former GK1 Goalkeeper Academy Coach
    - Former Director of Goalkeeping at CUSA
    - Director of Goalkeeping for BSA Celtics/Ohio Galaxies
    - Wright State Women’s Goalkeepr Coach
    - Dayton Dutch Lions GK Coach
    - Trained Goalkeepers from 7- to college age for almost 15 years.

  • Youth soccer coach, Charlie Carpenter.

    Charlie Carpenter

    Charlie is a homegrown Beavercreek standout who brings deep local soccer roots and a true passion for player development to Dayton Functional Fitness. A familiar face in the Dayton soccer community, Charlie played at the elite club level for both Dayton Celtic and Ohio Galaxies FC. During his standout high school career at Beavercreek High School, Charlie served as team captain and earned prestigious All-State honors. He has since taken his talents to the next level, currently competing as an NCAA Division 1 athlete for Wright State University Men's Soccer.

    Currently studying Physical Education, Coach Charlie has over five years of experience specializing in private 1-on-1 and small-group training. He excels at breaking down complex footwork, building local player confidence, and applying academic principles of movement and physical education to create high-yield, engaging training environments for athletes of all skill levels.

  • Youth soccer and personal training coach, Trace Terry.

    Trace Terry

    Trace is a Bellbrook, Ohio native who brings an unmatched level of competitive experience, elite field discipline, and tactical knowledge to the youth training space at Dayton Functional Fitness. As a former standout forward for the Bowling Green Falcons men’s soccer team, Trace cemented himself as one of the most productive attackers in program history, ranking in the Top 10 for all-time goals and points. His elite collegiate performance earned him a spot on the prestigious MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List and resulted in his selection in the MLS SuperDraft by Seattle Sounders FC, followed by a professional stint with Fort Wayne FC.

    Trace specializes in private 1-on-1 and small group soccer training, helping junior high, high school, and collegiate players master technical footwork, clinical finishing, and game-level intensity.

  • Youth soccer coach, Mariella Hartmann.

    Mariella Hartmann

    Mariella brings a wealth of elite competitive experience and local club expertise to the youth soccer development program at Dayton Functional Fitness. A proven force on the pitch, Mariella competed for four seasons at the NCAA Division 1 level with Wright State University Women's Soccer. Her high-level playing resume also extends overseas, where she played semi-professionally in the prestigious German Bundesliga for SC Freiburg.

    In addition to her impressive playing career, Coach Mariella is a highly respected fixture in the local youth soccer community. She has extensive coaching experience across multiple age groups (ranging from U7 up to U17 boys and girls) with premier competitive clubs, including Ohio Galaxies FC and Dayton Celtic. Combining a background in Public Health with top-tier technical training, Mariella specializes in developing elite footwork, spatial awareness, and athletic conditioning for local youth and premier club soccer players.

  • Adult group fitness coach and HYROX Pro Athlete, Rebecca Wood.

    Becca Woods

    Becca is a world-class youth development and player welfare specialist who leads our younger academy programs, including DFF Fun Footy for players ages 3 to 5. Bringing a prestigious international pedigree to Dayton Functional Fitness, Rebecca spent over a decade training within elite UK structures, including the Queens Park Rangers (QPR) and Arsenal Academies. Most recently, she served at the highest level of youth international development, supporting the England Women’s U15 National Team through their 2024/2025 campaigns.

    As both an elite development specialist and a parent, Coach Rebecca is uniquely passionate about blending professional athletic expertise with a supportive, nurturing perspective. She specializes in introducing early motor skills, foundational footwork, and team social dynamics to young children, building confident, resilient, and active kids both on and off the pitch.

  • Youth soccer coach, Sean Markland.

    Sean Markland

    Sean is a high-level competitive athlete who specializes in creating intense, fast-paced, small-group training environments at Dayton Functional Fitness. With 13 years of premier club soccer experience under his belt, Sean's track record includes playing for the elite Ohio Elite Soccer Academy and being selected to compete in the prestigious ECNL National Selection Game. A standout four-year varsity high school player, Sean has committed to play collegiate soccer at Otterbein University and is currently competing at the semi-professional level with Columbus Astray.

    At DFF, Coach Sean focuses on translating his extensive national-level playing experience into actionable player development. He leads specialized, small-group private training sessions (limited to 2–4 athletes per group) engineered for players who crave more individualized coaching, tactical awareness, and a highly competitive training atmosphere.