Coaches

Josh Makar

Nutrition Science, M.S., Exercise Science, B.S. | Certified CrossFit Trainer (Level 3), CrossFit Endurance | USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach

While finishing his Master’s degree at the University at Buffalo, Josh Makar found CrossFit and immediately fell in love with the programming. He has been a personal trainer since 2008 and was the affiliate owner of CrossFit BAC Boulevard before founding Harborside CrossFit with Jeff and Lindsey. Josh has been a coach for athletes as young as 12 years old and those well into their 60s. During his time at the University at Buffalo, Josh worked in a nutrition and sports performance lab, and assisted in teaching a class on exercise application.

Josh has programmed for competitive youth sports teams and was formerly a strength and conditioning coach at Sweet Home High School working with multisport athletes as well as students who just wanted to learn about functional fitness and a healthy lifestyle. He meticulously plans and organizes programming meant to challenge and progress his athletes in group classes and those on an individual basis.

As a group, Josh, Jeff and Lindsey regularly work out together and compete in regional CrossFit events as well as races of all lengths. Josh also loves to be physical outdoors including hiking, cycling, rock climbing, snowboarding, and skateboarding.

Lindsey Phillips

Nutrition Science, M.S., Exercise Science, B.S. | Certified CrossFit Trainer (Level 3) | USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach

Lindsey has been using CrossFit methodologies in both her coaching and her own training since 2010 when her and Josh first discovered CrossFit.com. She loves programming workouts for her clients, challenging them, and seeing their progress. A big emphasis of Lindsey’s is teaching clients how to properly mobilize and maintain their bodies; so staying current with research and science is an important part of helping athletes improve in the gym.

In addition to training, Lindsey has spent time in a university nutrition and sports performance laboratory, and also interned at Buffalo Cardiology and Pulmonary Associates where she worked in the wellness program, offering exercise and nutrition counseling to cardiac rehab patients. Lindsey enjoys competing in local CrossFit competitions, and has run three marathons, and completed multiple long distance bicycle tours. She loves being active, especially outdoors!

Jeff Bavisotto

Health and Physical Education, B.S., Exercise Science, Minor | Certified CrossFit Trainer (Level 3), Crossfit Endurance, Crossfit Gymnastics, CrossFit Mobility | USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach

Jeff started in the fitness industry in 2009 where he began as a personal trainer at the Buffalo Athletic Club. Jeff has worked with a wide range of clients in all fitness levels over the years. He also served as the Strength and Conditioning Coach at Sweet Home High School from 2014-2017 where he worked with student athletes individually as well as sports teams.

Jeff was introduced to CrossFit in 2012 when he fell in love with the intensity, Olympic weightlifting and the constantly varied programming that CrossFit entails. He is always striving to make himself better as an athlete and to continue his education to help his members and clients reach their full potential, which is the most rewarding aspect of coaching at Harborside.

Jeff has a strong competitive nature, which is why he is so drawn to CrossFit. He has been involved in numerous CrossFit competitions as an individual as well as with teams. Jeff also enjoys running and is constantly involved in local races. Aside from running 5k races competitively, Jeff has also completed half marathons and triathalons. Being active is a big part of Jeff’s life as he enjoys pushing himself to be a better athlete, and pushing members and clients towards their goals.

Ashley Sleap

Sport Psychology, M.S., Physical Education and Health, B.S. | CrossFit Level 2 Trainer | USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach

Ashley has been doing CrossFit since 2013 after her brother originally introduced her to the sport. Later, she joined CrossFit BAC Boulevard where she met Jeff, Josh, and Lindsey and fell in love with their programming style. Ashley followed them when they opened Harborside, and has been a member and coach here since the beginning. CrossFit has become part of her daily routine and she looks forward to seeing all of the members, and loves the challenge and the push to always do her best.

Ashley has coached numerous middle school and high school level sports for Amherst Central and Sweet Home Central, including lacrosse, soccer, and ice hockey. As a collegiate level athlete in field hockey and ice hockey, she has the drive and fitness background that make her a competitive CrossFit athlete. As a former PE teacher, she frequently used various CrossFit exercises in her classes and loves helping her children fall in love with fitness. She enjoys teaching Harborside’s CrossFit Kids program and loves to show her own children how to exercise.

Ashley has competed in numerous local team and individual competitions, as well as competing at Wodapalooza Fitness Festival three times. Ashley likes all sports, especially ice hockey, skiing, and enjoys being outdoors. Ashley is striving daily to be a strong mother and role model to her son and daughter, Callahan and Corrigan, who you may see running around the gym!

Phil Smith

Journalism & Mass Communication, B.S. | CrossFit Level 2 Trainer | USA Weightlifting Sport Performance Coach

Phil started doing CrossFit in his garage as a form of exercise to become a better athlete and improve his overall level of fitness. Not long after, limitations on equipment and proper technique led him to join Harborside where he instantly fell in love with the structure, coaching and community. Since then, he has embraced the program, constantly pursuing a new level of fitness and living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Prior to CrossFit, Phil’s athletic background includes four years with the St. Bonaventure University Swim Team at the division 1 level. He is also an assistant coach on the Williamsville North High School baseball staff.

He finds the diversity in movements and constantly varied workouts as the most exciting and challenging elements to CrossFit. Every day is an opportunity to learn or practice new skills while increasing overall strength and work capacity, which is a concept he encourages all athletes to appreciate.

Phil enjoys competing locally with other Harborside members and strives to be a good role model for his son and daughter, Pete and Lucy.

Taylor Quigg

Business, B.S. | CrossFit Level 2 Trainer

Taylor is originally from Annapolis, Maryland and started doing CrossFit in 2013. After moving to Buffalo, she joined Harborside CrossFit in 2019 and loved the community and programming.

She played D2 lacrosse at Wheeling Jesuit while obtaining her B.S. in Business, and she currently works as a finance analyst at Citibank. In her free time she enjoys playing with her pup, Tyson, playing recreational lacrosse, rugby, and soccer, and drinking fancy coffee.

Taylor loves to coach and help people achieve their health and fitness goals, and what she likes most about CrossFit is that it’s always challenging, regardless of your skill or background, and it’s adjustable to all levels.