Joshua Newell

Joshua Newell: Strength Specialist of the Palm Beach Breakers

Joshua Newell has made his mark in the United Grid League (UGL) as a strength specialist for the Palm Beach Breakers, where his dedication to functional fitness and impressive strength gains continue to benefit his team. What makes his story particularly unique is that he shares the field with his wife Shay, both contributing to the Breakers’ success in different but complementary roles.

Grid League History and Accomplishments

As the Breakers’ strength specialist, Newell has proven himself invaluable to the team’s strategy. Currently wearing #59, he’s become known for his versatility, developing into what the team calls a “utility player” while maintaining his core strength specialty. His standout moment came in the “Rope Swing” match format, where he posted a remarkable Impact Score of 147, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

The 2024 season marked significant growth for Newell, as he and his wife Shay reflected during their December podcast appearance. His participation in the Alabama combine heading into the 2025 season demonstrated his commitment to improvement, and he noted the positive shift in team dynamics during a January 2025 interview, expressing excitement about the squad’s renewed energy.

Athletic Background

Newell’s foundation in CrossFit has served him well in grid competition. His strength numbers speak for themselves with a 506-pound back squat, 335-pound clean and jerk, 665-pound deadlift, and 255-pound snatch. Beyond raw strength, his functional fitness shines through in benchmark workout times, completing “Fran” in 2:15 and “Grace” in 1:35.

His CrossFit Open performances show steady improvement, moving from 35,581st worldwide in 2019 to 15,896th in 2024 in the Men’s division. Standing 5’11” and weighing 220 pounds, Newell’s physical build matches his role perfectly. His recent switch from traditional CrossFit programming to specialized grid training shows his dedication to mastering his sport.

Early Life and Personal Background

Growing up in Alabama’s Florence-Tuscumbia-Muscle Shoals area shaped Newell’s early years. Though he left for college, the pull of home eventually brought him back to his roots. His life changed significantly when he met Shay at a local gym where they both taught classes, he as a fitness coach, she as a dance instructor. Their relationship began when Josh spotted Shay’s athletic potential and started coaching her in Olympic weightlifting, a professional connection that blossomed into love and marriage.

Employment and Career Outside of Sports

Newell’s expertise extends beyond competition. His background as a fitness coach and weightlifting instructor has given him valuable experience in developing athletes. Recently, he’s taken on a role in promoting grid-specific training, planning to create testimonial content about the Grid League’s training program based on his own successful transition to the sport.

Media Coverage and Public Appearances

Through podcast appearances like the IOTB GNG Show in January 2025 and the In Off The Bench Podcast in December 2024, Newell has shared insights into both his athletic career and personal life. These appearances reveal his enthusiasm for team culture and his belief in grid’s potential for growth. Whether discussing technical aspects of training or sharing stories about competing alongside his wife, Newell comes across as both knowledgeable and relatable.

His media presence highlights key aspects of his character: commitment to team success, adaptability in taking on new roles, and genuine passion for helping grid evolve as a competitive sport. Through his openness about both successes and challenges, Newell continues to connect with fans while contributing to the sport’s development.