Coach Aaron Baca is a U.S. Army Veteran with over 16 years of distinguished service, driven by a lifelong dedication to discipline, resilience, and community. A veteran of three global deployments, including one tour in Kosovo and two combat tours in Iraq, his  military career instilled in a deep mastery of leadership, accountability, and perseverance under pressure. Throughout coach Baca’s service, he was recognized with some of the military’s highest decorations, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Purple Heart. He was also inducted into the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club, an elite honor reserved for Non Commissioned Officers who demonstrate exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Fitness and education have always been at the core of Coach Baca’s mission. During his time in uniform, he served as the Master Fitness and Master Resiliency Instructor for his Battalion. Transitioning his tactical leadership to the civilian sector, he spent three and a half years as the Director of Education at the National Personal Training Institute in Tampa, directing the accredited Higher Education Diploma in Personal Training. He has also coached clients across the private fitness sector, including roles at Crunch Fitness and F45.

Today, Coach Baca serves as the Head Coach for the Catch A Lift Fund. He specializes in Kettlebells, Strength and Conditioning, and adaptive training, combining a mission focused work ethic with evidence based coaching methods designed to elevate performance, build confidence, and foster lifelong wellness. Coach Baca’s coaching depth is backed by absolute academic excellence, holding both a Bachelor’s and a Master of Arts degree in Homeland Security with Honors from the American Military University.

Outside of the gym, Coach Baca is a proud father of four (three daughters and a son) and a grandfather. An avid learner, he loves diving into history with a particular fascination for JFK history and is currently challenging himself by learning to play the guitar. He also embraces the humbling art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a discipline he has actively competed in since 2022.