By Kyle Coppola
The Rise of Florida’s Fittest Freshman
Molly O’Hara is not your typical high school freshman.
The 14-year-old East Ridge High School student is making waves in the world of CrossFit, and her story is as inspiring as her impressive achievements.
But Molly isn’t about medals or titles; her story is one of legacy, dedication and the joy of competition.
Her passion for CrossFit started early.
“I have formally been training in CrossFit since I was 5 years old, but I’ve been doing weight training and functional fitness for as long as I can remember,” Molly says. “When I was 3, I would lift light weights with my dad.”
Molly went on to accomplish feats many athletes only dream of. Her crowning achievement was taking first place in the worldwide CrossFit Open for the State of Florida, which earned her the title of the fittest 14-year-old in Florida and the 32nd fittest competitor in her age division globally.
Looking back, Molly recalls her earliest CrossFit memory—a snapshot of herself doing a bench press under her father’s guidance at age 5.
“That was when it really started to feel like part of my life,” she reflects.
With nearly a decade of training under her belt, she is now recognized as one of the top youth CrossFit stars in Florida. And her journey has only just begun.
Family Legacy and Athletic Lineage
Athleticism runs deep in Molly’s veins. The O’Hara family has always embraced an active lifestyle. Her mother Kristin, a former collegiate softball player, and her father, Seth, a weightlifter and football player, provided strong athletic influences from a young age. But Molly’s greatest source of inspiration may be her grandfather, Coach “Bud” O’Hara, one of the first football coaches at East Ridge High School (which opened in 2002) who is now a member of the school’s sports hall of fame.
“Representing East Ridge High School is a blessing for me,” Molly says proudly. “Carrying on the O’Hara legacy means a lot. My family has always valued hard work and perseverance, and I want to honor that every time I step into the gym or onto the field.”
Molly’s dedication to her family goes beyond her achievements; it’s about keeping the spirit of discipline and resilience alive through her actions.
Academic Ambition
While Molly’s athletic resume is striking for a freshman, her commitment to academics is equally impressive. She boasts a 4.5 GPA and has maintained straight A’s throughout her academic career.
“Academics are very important to me, and I hope to continue that tradition throughout high school,” she says.
Molly’s rigorous training schedule for CrossFit never detracts from her studies. She brings the same discipline to her schoolwork as she does to her workouts.
Molly is only halfway through her freshman year, but she’s made an impact with the ERHS bowling team (which made the FHSAA State Championships) and is currently lifting for the girls weightlifting team. She also plans to play on the school softball team. She’ll make an impact there too. Molly plays for the WICKED travel team during the off-season.
“Softball is just fun—it’s different from CrossFit, and I like being part of a team,” she says. “And whether it’s weightlifting or bowling, I love that each sport brings something different. It’s like a new way to challenge myself.”
Her multifaceted approach to sports reflects her versatile nature, and Molly hopes to explore her potential in as many disciplines as possible and have an even more well-rounded athletic base.
The Mindset of a Champion
For Molly, CrossFit is more than a sport; it’s a way to test her physical and mental limits.
“I love the adrenaline and determination that comes with competing,” she says. “CrossFit is a great way to show your athleticism, and when I’m competing, I feel like I can accomplish anything.”
That mindset serves her well as she pursues her goal of competing on an international level and one day standing on the podium alongside her heroes.
One of her most notable role models is the fictional champion Rocky Balboa.
“I really enjoy the Rocky movies,” Molly says. “Even though Rocky is a fictional character, his story of being the underdog and becoming a champion through hard work really inspires me.”
Her commitment to hard work despite the odds mirrors the resilience Rocky displayed on the big screen. Molly views each day as an opportunity to push herself, even if it means early mornings, tough training and constantly juggling school and sports.
Molly dreams of representing the United States in international competitions like CrossFit legend Tia Toomey does.
“It’s amazing to watch athletes like Tia,” Molly says. “Seeing her train and compete shows me what’s possible if you really dedicate yourself.”
Life Beyond CrossFit
CrossFit takes center stage, but Molly makes time for other activities that keep her grounded.
Molly enjoys unwinding with jigsaw puzzles and a good book when she’s not training or studying. These quiet moments help her maintain balance in her fast-paced life.
“I’m a pretty competitive person,” she admits with a laugh. “But sometimes it’s nice to just sit down and relax with a puzzle.”
She also spends down time with family, especially when the O’Haras get away.
“I love going on vacation with my family. Camping is one of my favorites, and so are cruises. I’m the middle child, so my sisters and I are pretty close. My parents aren’t half bad either!” she adds with a smile.
Looking to the Future
Now that she’s in high school, Molly is balancing academics and athletics while setting new standards for young CrossFit athletes.
“High school feels like a fresh start,” she says. “I want to be a strong student and athlete, and I also want to be a positive role model for younger athletes.”
Molly’s ambitions and accomplishments reflect a maturity beyond her years. She aims to excel in competitions, build a legacy and contribute to her community.
Her story is already resonating with younger athletes who look up to her as a source of inspiration. “It’s great to see young athletes getting interested in CrossFit,” Molly says. “I tell them it’s about patience, discipline, and having fun. You have to love what you do and find joy in the hard work.”
Molly O’Hara is undoubtedly a name we will be talking about for many years. Her dreams extend beyond medals and titles. Her vision is to lead, inspire and honor a legacy. In the words of her hero, Rocky: “It’s not about how hard you can hit, but about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
In Molly’s case, she’s already shown that she can do just that—lifting, learning and leading with a spirit that inspires everyone around her.
Photos: Nicole Hamel
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
