Meet the Crew
The people who set the boulders, teach the classes, and keep the community thriving.
The people who set the boulders, teach the classes, and keep the community thriving.
Wei Qin is the Lead Route Setter at Climbing Roots, bringing nearly two decades of climbing experience to the team.
Originally from China, Wei’s passion for climbing began in 2008 in the iconic limestone cliffs of Yangshuo. His climbing career reached new heights when he sent a 5.14c/d and earned sponsorships from North Face and Millet.
Wei also owned and operated a climbing business in China, where he developed outdoor areas and shared his passion with beginners as a climbing guide. Since moving to the U.S. in 2018, Wei has immersed himself in his love for movement, as a route setter and ninja coach.
Wei strives to create dynamic and engaging problems that challenge climbers of all skill levels, bringing his passion for movement and creativity to every problem he works on. Outside of climbing, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and fly fishing.
MaryAlice is a climbing industry professional based in Knoxville, Tennessee. She has been working in the climbing industry for over a decade and currently works at Climbing Roots, where she has been part of the team since October 2025.
Her climbing background includes gym management, route and boulder setting, coaching, youth climbing programs, competition organization, and adaptive climbing. MaryAlice is passionate about creating welcoming climbing communities, helping climbers grow, and finding new ways to make climbing accessible and fun for everyone.
Claudia, our Programs Manager, discovered climbing nearly ten years ago in the climbing gyms of Chicago, shortly after that she transitioned to outdoor climbing at Devil’s Lake and the Red River Gorge. Her passion for the outdoors led her to earn her SPI through the AMGA and she’s guided several seasons on both rock and ice. Some of her favorite trips include Acadia National Park, Yosemite, Moab, and the frozen waterfalls of Pictured Rocks, Michigan.
Now based in South Knoxville, Claudia guides at Ijams Crag on weekends and volunteers with her local women’s mountain bike club. She also organizes outings with her local BIPOC climbing and adventure group. When not outside or in the gym, she’s likely baking, watching Netflix, or visiting family in Chicago.
For Claudia, climbing is about connection, growth, and creating space for others. She believes everyone should find joy and feel welcome in the climbing community—and she’s proud to help make that happen.
I’m Mark Large, from Knoxville, Tennessee. I am part of the crew at Climbing Roots. I’ve been rock climbing for 32 years. I received much of my experience as a climbing instructor working for the Boy Scouts and working for The Climbing Center. During that time my work grew from a passion to a skill to a dedicated craft.
I love rock climbing and love to share my knowledge and experience with others!
When I’m not climbing I spend my time with family and occasionally pick up a camera and explore the world around me through a lens.
Trever is a Knoxville native who grew up in West Knox and has always loved being outdoors. Whether skating, boarding, or just plain walking, he’s always been driven by one thing — to explore.
When he’s not out adventuring, you’ll probably find him at home with his dog, Marceline, playing video games or hanging out with friends over a board game night.
Trever also loves to chat, so if you see him around the gym, don’t hesitate to say hey… just know you may be there for a while!
Ric Massey started climbing in Idaho at City of Rocks and Dierkes Lake, where he found his love for granite cracks and committing moves that make your hands shake just a bit. After moving east, he spent a season living in the Red River Gorge, where he set the Caver’s Car-to-Car record and fell for bold trad lines and real adventure.
Five years into climbing, Ric is still drawn to anything that feels intense, exposed, and just a little bit scary. When he’s not climbing, he’s usually washing or driving his Porsche, out on a run, or playing video games.
Hello! My name is Ava Sabatini, and I’m originally from the Chattanooga area but moved to Knoxville for college! I am an Evolutionary & Ecological Biology major at the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Anthropology. When I’m not rock climbing, you can find me working with ferns at the Suissa Lab, making photographs, reading, or working on a new craft project/skill. I love climbing and am super excited to share my love of the sport and the community that comes with it with all of you :D
Leah is a Knoxville native who’s happiest outside. With over eight years of climbing experience, she loves being part of a community that shares her passion for movement and the outdoors.
When she’s not climbing, snowboarding, or spending time outside, she’s probably busy planning her next trip or taking photos.
Outside the gym, you’ll find her with her dog, Spot, or enjoying live music around town.
Hello! I’m Lawson – a crew member here! I’m originally from Chattanooga, TN but moved to Knoxville for school. I’m studying Neuroscience, Psychology & Philosophy. I used to climb competitively but now do it for the love of the sport. I’m excited to get to know all you!
Hey, I’m Dorcey! I grew up in Michigan but now call Maryville home while I work on my degree in Holistic Health & Mindfulness Studies at Maryville College.
With a background in outdoor recreation and a passion for mindful movement, I’m stoked to be part of a welcoming climbing community and help keep the gym running smoothly.
I’m Nikolai