Houston Bandits – A first look at the new expansion team

The United Grid League welcomes its newest expansion team in 2025 – the Houston Bandits. Led by the experienced Sophia Davenport, who serves as owner, coach, and player, this diverse collection of athletes is poised to make an immediate impact in their inaugural season.

A Coach’s Vision

When Sophia Davenport left her position with the Breakers to build something from scratch in Houston, many wondered if a brand-new team could compete in the established league. But Davenport had a clear vision – assemble versatile athletes with backgrounds in various fitness disciplines and accelerate their Grid development through intensive training.

“Every practice I’m just so impressed by every one of them,” Davenport says. “They don’t act like rookies. They don’t think like rookies. They all do their research on other teams, watch the matches I send them, and then practice their assignments and even try other things so they can be back up for their teammates in case there’s an issue.”

This dedication to preparation has been the foundation of Davenport’s approach, and it’s paying dividends in the team’s development.

CrossFit Competitors Turn Grid Athletes

The Bandits roster features several established CrossFit athletes who are transferring their skills to the Grid format.

The standout is Colten Mertens, one of the top CrossFitters in the world. With multiple CrossFit Games appearances and a recent victory in the CrossFit Open, Mertens also earned a special invite to the World Fitness Project’s August event due to his standout performance. Though his schedule only allows him to compete in the Dallas event, he’s sure to make a massive impact there.

Ben Collins stands out as someone embracing the full spectrum of Grid requirements.”Ben is forever asking me what things he can try and how many reps,” Davenport notes. “And that’s not just barbell work. He has become quite the bodyweight movement guy too.”

Another Games team athlete in Lauren Olson, who according to Davenport “has drunk the Grid cool-aid and is obsessed with being the fastest/strongest out there,”

Similarly, Rafael Gallo comes to the Bandits fresh off CrossFit Semi-Finals competition and is hitting his peak performance just in time for Grid season. His attitude embodies the team-first mentality Davenport has cultivated: “Whatever you need, I got you,” is his motto according to the coach.

John Young, another CrossFit veteran, has emerged as a leadership presence on the team. “John is definitely the dad of the group,” Davenport shares. “He always has an idea to make something faster or a transition smoother. He’s way stronger than anyone thinks and will jump in wherever needed.”

Gymnasts Finding Their Grid Identity

What makes the Bandits particularly interesting is their incorporation of gymnastics specialists who are expanding their athletic portfolios.

Taylor Krippner represents perhaps the most dramatic transition on the team. “Taylor is one to watch when she’s out there simply because she has NEVER done anything outside of gymnastics,” explains Davenport. “And yet, she is calm and collected and hits her marks like she’s been doing this for years.”

Natalie Schneider has also exceeded expectations in her transition. “Originally I was worried that after signing her there wouldn’t be enough things for her to do as she was very gymnastics-focused,” admits Davenport. “But she has proven me wrong. She loves Grid and is always practicing new things and will be one to watch in every race she’s in.”

From Spectator to Standout

Perhaps no story better illustrates the Bandits’ appeal than that of Colleen Carrie. “Colleen came to watch a practice last fall. She wanted to sign as an alternate,” Davenport recalls. “This woman is starter material. One of our smaller in stature teammates, but she handles cycling the barbell, circus tricks, and burpees from beginning of the match through the end like a vet.”

This type of unexpected development has become a pattern for the Bandits, with players like Matt Rattay showing remarkable progress. “I cannot say enough about this guy!” Davenport enthuses. “Always smiling, always happy to be here. I taught him back uprises through video chat a couple months ago and now he’s butterflying them and back rolls to support and clearing ladders like a warmup.” Matt also has high level CrossFit experience having competed at the Games on a team.

Building From Different Foundations

Avery Jesmer, who comes from a strongwoman background in Oregon and is “extremely athletic and committed to making sure she’s the fastest at her jobs and being ready to help out wherever we may need her.”

Mason Belk has developed in unexpected ways as well, becoming “one of the fastest burpee guys on the team challenging Rafael’s speed.”

Twenty-one-year-old Nicole Hanches has surprised even her coach with her versatility.

“Nicole is our youngest and is standing out as a strong utility player who has stamina for days and is a natural athlete,” Davenport says. “She has no idea how good she is and is just so happy to be on the team.”

The Challenge Ahead

Some Grid League analysts say the Bandits face an uphill battle as the newest team in the league. Being ranked eighth in the preseason power rankings by Daniel Baugh reflects the tough nature of being an expansion team with limited Grid experience.

However, if practice performances translate to competition, the Bandits could surprise many. The question remains whether Sophia Davenport’s intensive coaching and the team’s remarkable commitment to preparation can accelerate their development enough to compete with established Grid powers immediately.

For viewers tuning in to see the Bandits face the Lions on May 24th at the Miami International Fitness Expo, they’ll witness a team that, despite being brand new to the league, carries itself with the preparation and poise of veterans.

As Davenport puts it, these athletes “don’t act like rookies” – and that might just be the key to the Houston Bandits making an immediate impact in their inaugural United Grid League season.