Andrew & CJ Trujillo
Competitive Powerlifting Coaches
USAPL-L1 • NCSF-CPT • NASM-CNC
USAPL State Referee • Meet Director
Coaching built around consistency, communication, and execution.
About
Coach Andrew Trujillo is a competitive powerlifting coach and athlete based in Colorado, focused on developing lifters through structured training, technical execution, and long-term progression.He holds certifications as an NCSF Certified Personal Trainer, USAPL Level 1 Club Coach, and NASM Certified Nutrition Coach. In addition to coaching, he serves as a USAPL State Referee and Meet Director, giving him firsthand experience with the standards and demands of competition.His coaching centers around intentional training, honest communication, and preparing athletes to perform confidently on the platform. Whether the goal is building a foundation, refining technique, or preparing for competition, every phase of training is built with purpose.Alongside private coaching, he serve as the volunteer advisor and head coach of the Iron Mavericks Barbell Club at Colorado Mesa University, where he works with collegiate and competitive lifters across multiple experience levels.
Coach Cassie Jo Trujillo is a competitive powerlifting athlete based in Colorado who works alongside Coach Trujillo to support athletes throughout training and competition.As an active member of the Colorado powerlifting community, she assists with meet day handling, warm up execution, athlete organization, and competition day support to help athletes stay focused and prepared on the platform.Beyond meet day operations, CJ plays an important role in athlete support throughout the coaching process, particularly in areas such as recovery, nutrition accountability, and communication. Her experience as both a competitor and handler allows her to understand the demands athletes face leading into competition and on meet day itself.In addition to her work with athletes, she is currently training as a USAPL State Referee and Meet Director, continuing to deepen her involvement within the sport.Her approach emphasizes consistency, encouragement, and creating an environment where athletes feel supported while pursuing long-term progress.
Our Coaching Philosophy
We believe great coaching is built on structure, communication, and trust.Powerlifting progress does not come from random training or chasing motivation. It comes from consistent execution, honest feedback, and a process built with intention. Every athlete we work with receives individualized guidance designed around their goals, experience level, recovery capacity, and long-term development.Our approach combines technical coaching, structured programming, competition preparation, and athlete support both inside and outside the gym. From day-to-day training to meet day execution, our goal is to create an environment where athletes can focus, improve, and perform with confidence.We value accountability, discipline, and long-term progress over shortcuts or ego-driven training. Whether someone is preparing for their first meet or pursuing higher levels of competition, we aim to provide the structure and support necessary to help them succeed.Most importantly, we believe coaching is collaborative. Strong communication, trust in the process, and consistency over time are what ultimately produce results on the platform.
CMU Iron Mavericks
Coach Trujillo serves as the head coach and advisor for Colorado Mesa University’s Iron Mavericks Barbell Club, where he helps support collegiate lifters in a structured, competition-focused environment. All Iron Mavericks athletes have access to guidance, programming advice, educational resources, occasional form review, and meet day handling for approved competitions as part of the club experience.In addition to that baseline support, Iron Mavericks athletes may earn access to full coaching through the club’s Sponsored Athlete system. Sponsored Athletes receive my Performance-level coaching at no cost as a privilege tied to commitment, trust, and representation of the team.Our coaching is built around discipline, technical execution, accountability, and long-term development.
Coaching Services
We offer structured, individualized coaching for lifters at different stages of their development. We work with those just getting started or preparing for competition, in the end, the goal is the same.Strength. Confidence. Performance.
Foundation
Designed for lifters who want structured training and guidance, but are comfortable working independently. This option is a good fit for athletes who are consistent, self-motivated, and don’t require frequent feedback on their lifts. Programming is built around your individual goals and adjusted at the end of each training block to ensure continued progress. If you plan to compete, we will also provide guidance for attempt selection and a structured plan for warm-ups and meet day execution. Communication remains open for questions and support.
Starting at $100/Mo
Built for lifters who want more hands-on guidance, consistent feedback, and a higher level of accountability. This is the best fit for athletes who are serious about improving their technique, building strength, and making steady progress over time. In addition to everything included in Foundation, this level includes regular form checks, feedback on your lifts, and adjustments within a training block based on how you are performing. This allows for a more responsive approach to your training rather than waiting until the end of a block.
Starting at $150/Mo
Development
Performance
Designed for competitive lifters who want the highest level of support, structure, and attention. This is for athletes who are committed to maximizing their performance and are willing to invest in a more hands-on coaching experience. Along with everything included in Development, this level includes priority communication, more frequent adjustments based on performance and recovery, and a deeper level of involvement in your training process. Meet day handling is included for in-state competitions, with travel available for out-of-state meets. Nutrition coaching is also incorporated to support performance and recovery.
Starting at $200/Mo
Additional support is available depending on your needs and goals. These include meet day handling (price varies based on meet location), nutrition coaching ($100/Mo), and one-on-one in-person sessions ($50/Session) for athletes who want additional support outside of their current coaching level.
Additional Support
Not Sure Where to Start?
If you’re unsure which option is the best fit, we offer a free initial consultation to learn more about your goals and help guide you in the right direction.
Sponsored Athletes
The Sponsored Athlete program recognizes Iron Mavericks student-athletes who have demonstrated a high level of commitment, consistency, and trust in the training process. Sponsored athletes receive full Performance-level coaching at no cost as part of their role in representing the team and its standards.All current Iron Mavericks student-athlete members are eligible to apply. Selection is based on training consistency, communication, coachability, and overall alignment with the values of the program. Athletes who are interested in being considered can apply through the form below. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and selection is not guaranteed.
Lily Gruber
Lily is a competitive powerlifter and former high school athlete who has transitioned into collegiate lifting with Iron Mavericks. She brings a competitive background and a strong work ethic to her training, with her sights set on reaching the national stage.
"I feel like i’m slowly becoming a more empowered and self confident lifter, and Andrew has impacted that a lot so i’m super grateful"
Marissa Martinez-Quezada
Marissa is a competitive powerlifter and former high school wrestler who transitioned into collegiate lifting at Colorado Mesa University. She has quickly established herself on the platform, holding the Colorado state bench press record in the T3 52kg class, and continues to build toward competing at the national level.State Record Holder
"I have definitely improved a lot because of your training and you’re patient and understanding about a lot but also know how to push me to do my best."
Karissa Riggs
Karissa is a competitive powerlifter and former high school wrestler who has transitioned into collegiate lifting with Iron Mavericks. She brings a strong competitive background into the sport and is focused on continuing her development with the goal of reaching the national level.
“Powerlifting helped, but having a great coach helped me get through this semester and not give up.”
Mieke Waanders
Mieke is a competitive powerlifter developing within Iron Mavericks, focused on building a strong foundation in the sport through consistent training and disciplined progression. As a newer lifter, she is committed to improving her performance over time with the goal of reaching the national level.
“It really helps to have someone keep me on track with my lifts and push me when I need to.”
Ivan Edstrom
Ivan is a competitive powerlifter known for his high-level strength and focus on performance. He approaches training with intensity and intent, continually pushing his limits on the platform as he works toward breaking state records.
“You showed me the potential I have if I keep going.”
Upcoming Powerlifting MEets
TBD (Sanction Pending)
Date: October 10th 2026
Location: Colorado Mesa University Maverick Center
1040 Mesa Ave, Grand Junction, Co 81501
Grand Valley Strength Games Powerlifting 2027
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
