I don’t have a background in sports since in school I was focused on Academics and my school didn’t push athletics. I joined in a CrossFit gym around Sophomore year and continued since!:)
Nicoletta Hanches is making waves as a new addition to the Houston Bandits in the United Grid League. As a Utility player, she brings a unique combination of CrossFit excellence and Olympic weightlifting skill to her professional career. Her path from competitive CrossFitter to Grid League athlete shows both her versatility and commitment to functional fitness.
After establishing herself in Chicago’s fitness scene, Hanches joined the Houston Bandits during an exciting period of growth for the United Grid League, which rebranded from its previous identity as the Florida Grid League in January 2024. The Bandits recognized her potential early, welcoming her as an “up and coming United Grid League star.”
Her CrossFit career demonstrates steady improvement year after year. Competing as Nicole Hanches, she climbed from 1161st worldwide in 2022 to 551st in 2025. Her North American rankings show similar progress, moving from 609th to 151st in the North America East region. Throughout this period, she maintained her status as the top female athlete at Dog House CrossFit in Chicago.
Beyond CrossFit, Hanches has proven herself in Olympic weightlifting competitions, including the Illinois State weightlifting meet in May 2025. This dual-sport focus has helped shape her into an ideal Grid League competitor, where athletes need strength, speed, and adaptability.
Her training background spans multiple disciplines and facilities. At Dog House CrossFit in Chicago, she earned recognition as a “Pro” level athlete. She also trained with JY Barbell Club, seeking specialized Olympic weightlifting coaching to round out her skillset. This comprehensive approach to training aligns perfectly with the varied demands of Grid League competition.
The Houston Bandits have created opportunities for fans to support Hanches through various sponsorship packages, ranging from basic support at $10 to exclusive jersey rights at $600. These sponsorships help sustain her professional athletic career while building connections with supporters.
As the United Grid League continues to grow, athletes like Hanches represent the future of the sport. Her consistent improvement in CrossFit rankings, combined with her Olympic weightlifting experience, suggests she has the potential to become a standout performer in professional Grid competition.
Regular season matches Nicoletta Hanches has raced for the Houston Bandits, with season and career totals.
| Season | Match | Impact score | Impact rank | Races entered | Races won | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Roll Up, Week 1 Miami | 23 | 110 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
| 2025 | Ascend, Week 2 Tampa | 94 | 43 | 6 | 1 | 17% |
| 2025 regular season totals | 117 | 124 | 7 | 2 | 29% | |
Not on a 2026 roster. You can sponsor a current Bandits player.
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