Jenni James

Jenni’s CrossFit journey began in 2015 in San Rafael, California, where she found herself missing the structure and excitement of competition after retiring from a Division 1 tennis career. Seeking a new challenge, she joined a local CrossFit box and never looked back. The mix of intensity, variety, and community instantly drew her in. With a strong background in athletics ranging from high school cross country to Olympic weightlifting competitions, Jenni began coaching CrossFit in 2017. She also holds a CSCS certification and a doctorate in physical therapy, giving her a unique ability to coach both safely and effectively. Her approach is rooted in helping others grow not just physically, but in confidence as well. What Jenni loves most about coaching is seeing her athletes gain strength, inside and out. She's especially passionate about Olympic lifting and movement quality, blending performance and physical therapy knowledge to support each athlete’s individual journey. At CrossFit SERVE, she feels right at home thanks to the community’s welcoming and inclusive spirit. Her favorite movement? Double Unders. Least favorite? Dumbbell snatches and thrusters. Her go-to mantra: “Celebrate even the small wins.” Outside the gym, you might be surprised to learn Jenni played professional tennis and competed in all the junior grand slams before college. These days, when she’s not coaching or training, she’s busy chasing around her little one, thankful for a sport that keeps her strong enough to keep up.