The Team
Meet the IYC Coaches
Stephanie Ballesteros
Owner & Head Coach
Coach Stephanie is the owner and head coach of IYC, and the driving force behind the community it has become today. She founded the gym during the COVID pandemic—starting virtually, then moving into her garage—before growing it into the large, thriving space IYC now calls home.
With 18 years of experience as a personal trainer and 15 years as a boxing coach, Stephanie brings a deep level of knowledge, passion, and purpose to everything she does. Over the past 6 years as a business owner, she has continued to evolve—constantly learning, growing, and refining her craft to better serve her members and team.
At the heart of IYC is Stephanie’s vision: to create a strong, supportive community through fitness, health, and boxing. For her, the gym is more than a place to train—it’s a family. She takes immense pride in building an environment where people feel challenged, supported, and connected.
Stephanie leads by example, combining experience, authenticity, and care to create meaningful impact both inside and outside the gym. Her commitment to her members and her mission is what makes IYC truly special.
Mya Soto
Boxing Coach
Coach Mya has been a dedicated part of the IYC family since June 2022, quickly establishing herself as both an athlete and a leader. After training consistently multiple days a week for over a year, she transitioned into assistant coaching and rapidly advanced to leading boxing classes and offering private sessions.
Although Mya initially trained with the goal of competing, a neck injury shifted her path—but not her passion. Her experience in the ring, combined with her sharp technical knowledge, allows her to coach with confidence, precision, and purpose. She moves exceptionally well, understands ring awareness, and excels at breaking down the skills needed to become a strong, capable boxer.
Mya specializes in high-energy private sessions, including mitt work and heavy bag training, and is known for pushing her clients beyond their limits. Her sessions are challenging, focused, and incredibly rewarding—30 minutes with Mya delivers a workout that leaves you stronger, sharper, and never disappointed. She emphasizes proper form, consistent effort, and measurable progress every step of the way.
One of Mya’s greatest strengths is her work with youth athletes, especially our Tiny Champs (ages 3–5). She has a unique ability to make boxing fun, engaging, and structured for even the youngest members. Under her guidance, kids not only learn the fundamentals, but also discipline, focus, and confidence—yes, including keeping those hands up!
Beyond the gym, Mya is a proven leader. As a two-time class president, she sets the standard as a role model for young athletes, particularly young women. Her work ethic, character, and positive influence make her an invaluable part of the IYC coaching team—and someone we are incredibly proud to have leading our community.
Tyler Marcelynas
Certified Personal Trainer
Tyler has been part of the IYC family since day one, starting his journey over 6 years ago during the pandemic with no prior experience in boxing or lifting. What began as something completely new quickly turned into a true passion. While he initially focused on boxing, Tyler discovered a love for strength training and fully committed to developing his skills in the weight room.
After participating in multiple Teen Lift sessions at IYC, Tyler took the initiative to expand his knowledge independently—creating his own programs, setting goals, and building a strong foundation in training. When he was ready to take the next step, he returned to IYC, earned his certification, and began coaching.
Today, Tyler leads the Teen Lift classes he once attended, along with programming and coaching adult strength classes. He has introduced targeted sessions like Leg Day, Arms, and Back/Chest, bringing structure, variety, and purpose to our strength training classes.
Tyler’s passion for fitness is contagious. He’s constantly learning and loves sharing his knowledge on training styles, nutrition, recovery, and goal setting. Having worked through his own back challenges, he brings a thoughtful, safety-first approach to coaching and understands how to train effectively while working around limitations.
Tyler represents everything IYC stands for—growth, dedication, and community. We’re incredibly proud of the coach he’s become and the impact he continues to make both in and out of the gym.
Cynthia Villalobos
Certified Personal Trainer and CrossFit Coach
From competitive swimming in Perú to leading global corporate wellness initiatives at ESPN, Cynthia brings over 15 years of experience helping people move better, get stronger, and live healthier lives.
A CrossFit Level 2 Trainer with nearly a decade of L2 coaching experience (and 14+ years overall), Cynthia has been part of the IYC community since the pandemic—first on Zoom and now as a consistent, high-impact presence on our class schedule. She works with adults, teens, and young athletes, delivering expert-level coaching across the board.
Cynthia has a reputation for being tough—and she is—but that’s exactly what makes her classes so effective. She meets you where you are, pushes you past what you think your limits are, and supports you every step of the way. Whether you’re brand new, getting back into shape, or looking to level up, Cynthia knows how to scale workouts while still challenging you to grow.
Her classes combine strong technical coaching, a focus on safety, and high energy that keeps you engaged from start to finish. You’ll be pushed—but you’ll also leave feeling accomplished, confident, and proud of what you just did.
We’re incredibly grateful to have Cynthia’s experience, intensity, and leadership at IYC. If you’ve been nervous to try her class—this is your sign. Show up, do the work, and see what you’re capable of.
Amina Ayrula
Boxing Coach
Amina has been part of the IYC family since she was just 7 years old—nearly half her life—and has grown into an exceptional young athlete and leader within our community. While softball is her primary sport, boxing has always played a major role in her life, and her passion for it shows every time she steps into the gym.
Now our youngest coach, Amina has developed her skills to the level of sparring and has a strong understanding of boxing technique, progressions, and the IYC philosophy. She spent time assistant coaching alongside Coach Stephanie and Coach Mya before stepping confidently into leading her own Youth classes.
Amina has a natural ability to connect with young athletes—she creates an environment where kids are engaged, respectful, and excited to learn. She balances structure and fun effortlessly, making sure her classes are both effective and enjoyable.
She has also begun working with private clients and is already making a strong impact, helping young boxers build confidence, skills, and a love for the sport.
Amina represents everything IYC stands for. Having grown up in the gym herself, she leads with authenticity, positivity, and dedication. We are incredibly proud to have her as part of our coaching team and as a role model for the next generation.