Casey Underberg

Casey was chosen because he has been doing Crossfit since 2017 and took a great leap of faith. He is a complete joy to coach – vision or no vision. He is in love with the sport and has come so far in his fitness journey.  Him and his wife are a big part of the Phos community.

Tell us a little about yourself, what do you do for a living, members of your family, do you have any pets (including anything else you see fit!)?

My name is Casey Underberg and I have been married to my wife Shawndrel for almost 8 years and together we have our family of his, hers and ours and that gives us 8 beautiful children (1 girl and 7 boys) and a bonus daughter who is Shawndrel’s sister who also lives with us and we have 4 dogs. We have a busy busy house!

I have worked for Coca-Cola for almost 24 years. I worked as a salesman, but when I lost my vision I was thankful they kept me on and I was able to keep my job at Coke but now I do tel-sales and around the office work.

In my spare time, my wife and I coach 2 softball teams, bowl league with my family, we fish and spend a lot of time with our kids.

And one thing many of you may or may not know is that I lost my vision about 7 years ago. I have a hereditary disease called LEBERS disease that killed off my optic nerves so I am legally blind.

How & when did you get introduced to Crossfit and what made you want to continue coming?

My wife and I tried CrossFit for the first time at full armour fitness because my good friend Brandon and his wife kept encouraging us to show up.

We started our actual fitness journey with Pho’s West in 2017. We did the free month in September and never looked back.

Now with my visual impairment it gives me a way to chase my athletic goals and still be able to compete in a competitive manner.

Is there anything you do now that you never thought you’d be able to do?

Yes. Every CrossFit workout we do everyday. I honestly didn’t know if I could do any of this when I first started. I am definitely mentally stronger now.

Box jumps have always been scary to me and now I’m doing them even with my low vision.

What would you say to someone who’s scared or apprehensive about trying Crossfit Phos?

It might sound scary initially or intimidating but with the great coaches and the other athletes supporting you, it makes you want more. I will never look back, we are family!

How do you manage to stay consistent in your gym attendance

I hate to miss! I love seeing results and how much I have improved. The push and drive from everyone makes you wanting more, to come more and give it my best.

I also couldn’t do it without the love and support/rides from my wife and kids.

What’s your favorite pick-me up food, snack, or drink on a busy day?

My go to snack is a banana and peanut butter and if I need more protein I drink a core power elite and lots of water.

What’s the most embarrassing fashion trend you used to rock?

The mullet I had back in high school.

What do you appreciate most about Phos?

I appreciate the willingness of all the coaches that take their time every class to show me and help me so I understand what we are doing in class. I appreciate the support of my fellow athletes, many of them have taken their time to help me with a white board, the clock or the calories on a bike or rower. I am truly thankful for the relationships/friendships I have established at Phos. I wouldn’t be where I am without all of you!