Greg Presseau (Coach Press) 

Founder, Grit Kore

Greg Presseau is a lifelong athlete, certified USA Hockey coach, and father of three boys whose work is focused on helping kids build resilience, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement through healthy, age‑appropriate sport.

Growing up playing hockey, rugby, skateboarding, and other sports, Greg experienced the power of athletics to shape character. Later, through years of coaching youth hockey at every level alongside a demanding career in finance in New York City, he also saw how early pressure, over‑structuring, and burnout can push kids away from sport altogether. No stranger to adversity himself, these experiences shaped a coaching philosophy centered on connection, intrinsic motivation, teamwork, and understanding the why behind the game — not just outcomes.

Driven by curiosity about how young athletes grow physically and mentally, Greg spent years researching child development, resilience, and performance while speaking extensively with current and former professional athletes. A consistent theme emerged: what set them apart wasn’t early specialization or talent alone, but resilience, adaptability, and a healthy relationship with challenge. These insights became the foundation of Grit Kore.

Grit Kore is built on a holistic approach to youth development — nurturing both body and mind, encouraging lifelong physical activity through age‑appropriate play, and using sport as a vehicle to teach life skills beyond competition. Greg believes grit cannot be forced; it must grow from a child’s own passion. When kids are supported and empowered to FIND. A. WAY., they develop confidence, resilience, and the motivation to stay active for life.

After college, Greg spent time living in Japan, deepening his appreciation for discipline, intentional living, and long‑term thinking — values that continue to shape his work today. Above all, Greg is a dad. Teaching his three sons these principles is his most important mission and the reason behind his commitment to helping kids and teens thrive — not just in sport, but in life.

Anika Charron

Co‑Founder, Grit Kore

Anika Charron is the Co‑Founder and Illustrator at Grit Kore. A longtime yoga practitioner and lifelong athlete, Anika is deeply committed to supporting youth well‑being through a balanced, holistic approach that nurtures both body and mind — encouraging lifelong physical activity alongside a thoughtful approach to nutrition that supports balance, energy, and long‑term health.

As a former competitive swimmer, Anika learned firsthand that pushing the body to its limits demands more than physical training alone. In a sport where progress is measured in hundredths of a second, she saw how mental strength, focus, discipline, and the right fuel must work together to sustain performance and growth. This experience shaped her belief that true athletic success is built on the integration of mindset, self‑belief, and proper nutrition as the foundation for long‑term well‑being.

Anika holds a Master of Science in Engineering and brings a diverse background spanning fashion, real estate, and creative leadership. Guided by curiosity and creativity, she continues to explore new challenges through art, literature, travel, movement, and experiences such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro — perspectives that inform her inclusive, whole‑child approach to youth development.

Through Grit Kore, Anika focuses on creating accessible, age‑appropriate resources that help kids feel supported, curious, and empowered — building confidence, emotional resilience, and a positive relationship with movement without early pressure or exclusion. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: when children are encouraged to be independent and taught to FIND. A. WAY., they are far more likely to succeed — and to stay active, engaged, and healthy for life.

Luciano (Lou) Sperduto 

Coach & Owner, CrossFit Orlando

Luciano Sperduto, “Coach Lou,” is co‑owner and coach of CrossFit Orlando, where he has been leading the charge since 2013. With over a decade of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for athletic performance, Luciano is known for his hands‑on, technical approach and his commitment to helping athletes reach their full potential, no matter where they’re starting from.

Certifications:
CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
CrossFit Gymnastics
CrossFit Powerlifting
CrossFit Mobility
USA Weightlifting Level 1

His coaching style is rooted in strong fundamentals, injury prevention, and long‑term progress. Drawing from eight years of competitive rugby, he emphasizes hard work, team culture, and resilience — building athletes from the ground up.

As part of the Grit Kore team, Coach Lou brings his strength‑development expertise to the next generation — inspiring young athletes to grow stronger, build confidence, and always FIND. A. WAY.

Beyond the gym, Luciano is a proud husband and father to two young daughters. He believes that leading by example starts at home, and fatherhood has added deeper purpose to his coaching — reinforcing his commitment to building strong foundations for lifelong health and movement.

Stephanie Kwiatkowski – Coach Steph

Fitness & Soccer Coach

Stephanie grew up in Fairfield County, where she discovered her first love — soccer. What began as a passion quickly became a formative journey that shaped her discipline, resilience, and appreciation for teamwork. She served as Varsity Captain at New Canaan High School, competed in collegiate showcase tournaments, participated in the Olympic Development Program, and earned a scholarship to Temple University, where she played for the Women’s Soccer Program throughout her collegiate career.

Balancing the demands of high‑level athletics and academics, Stephanie experienced firsthand how pressure can impact developing athletes. These experiences shaped her strong belief in resilience, mental toughness, and self‑belief — qualities she now prioritizes alongside technical and physical development.

Stephanie’s coaching philosophy centers on holistic athlete development. She focuses on building soccer IQ, reinforcing a clear team code, and supporting individual player development, helping each athlete understand the game, their role within a team, and how to grow with confidence. She is passionate about creating environments where young athletes feel supported, challenged, and empowered to navigate pressure in healthy ways.

Through her work with Grit Kore, Stephanie extends her impact beyond the field. Her expertise will be featured in the upcoming Grit in Cleats: Soccer Edition, where she joins Coach Lou as a character in the book series — helping bring lessons of resilience, teamwork, and a FIND. A. WAY. mentality to young readers.