Cody and Emily Loeffler Bring Championship Pedigree to United Grid League’s 10th Team

The United Grid League welcomes its newest team, the Carolina Flight, led by husband-and-wife ownership team Cody and Emily Loeffler. The couple brings an impressive competitive résumé and deep understanding of Grid League to their new venture as the league’s 10th team.

A Championship Background

Both Cody and Emily are no strangers to high-level team competition. The pair competed together at the 2013 and 2014 CrossFit Games as members of Team CrossFit Explode, a powerhouse affiliate team from the Philadelphia area. The team finished 15th at the Games both years, competing against the world’s best CrossFit athletes.

Their competitive partnership continued in the National Pro Grid League (NPGL), where they were both members of the Phoenix Rise. Emily was noted as a starter and dominant player for the team, which went on to capture the 2016 NPGL Championship. The experience of competing at the highest levels of team functional fitness has given the Loefflers unique insight into what it takes to build and lead a championship organization.

From Philadelphia to the Carolinas

The Loefflers’ roots run deep in the Philadelphia fitness community. Cody, a graduate of DIII Susquehanna University, played collegiate football and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education. Emily earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition from West Chester University, where she also played Division II collegiate volleyball. They met at CrossFit Regionals in 2011, competed together for many years, and opened a gym together in 2014, of which they owned until 2024. They have been coaching athletes and building community together for over 15 years, while positively impacting thousands of lives in the process. They have collectively coached many competitors to high levels of competition and sport across the world, including the CrossFit Games, Weightlifting, Powerlifting, and Collegiate athletes of all divisions. 

Now residing in North Carolina, the couple saw the opportunity to bring Grid League to their new home state.

Inside Perspective on the Sport

What makes Cody’s ownership particularly valuable is his experience on the operational side of Grid. He served as Competition Director for the Florida Grid League, where he was responsible for assisting in programming new match formats. He also produced and delivered match briefings to players, coaches, and team owners.

This inside knowledge of the sport’s infrastructure will be invaluable as the Flight builds its program.

United Grid League Commissioner Mather Wiswall emphasized the significance of adding an owner with Cody’s unique background: “Cody brings a unique and extremely valuable perspective to the Team Ownership group. He has been on the inside as we develop and enforce rules and standards for the sport. It’s huge to have awareness around the effort, thought, and care that goes into sport strategy and fairness be a part of the Team Owner group. Cody also has great experience and leadership qualities that will be a big asset for the Flight and the sport.”

The Name: Carolina Flight

The team name “Carolina Flight” draws inspiration from birds of prey—powerful, fast, and strategic hunters that embody the speed and precision required in Grid competition. While the name maintains a connection to Carolina’s identity as “First in Flight”, the Flight branding moves beyond regional mascot associations to capture the essence of the sport itself: the ability to move fast, strike decisively, and dominate from above. 

Ready for Takeoff

“When considering if we should start the Flight, my wife Emily reminded me of how important the competitive opportunities that were given to us are in our lives,” Cody Loeffler said. “The idea of being able to provide those same types of life changing opportunities to others made this decision a no-brainer.”

With their combined experience as elite athletes, coaches, gym owners, and now Cody’s operational knowledge of Grid competition, the Loefflers are uniquely positioned to build a competitive and sustainable franchise. The Carolina Flight represents not just a new team, but a commitment to providing the same life-changing competitive opportunities that shaped the Loefflers’ own athletic careers.

As the United Grid League continues to expand, the addition of the Carolina Flight and the Loeffler’s leadership marks an exciting new chapter for Grid League in the Carolinas and beyond.

The Flight are looking for operational help and team members. Follow the Carolina Flight and DM them if you are interested in being involved in the new team.

https://www.instagram.com/thecarolinaflight/