MEET THE COACHING STAFF
VAN EVANS
HEAD COACH, OWNER
CF-L1
Van has dedicated his life to health, fitness, and service. As the oldest son of seven kids, he grew up playing soccer, baseball, wrestling, racing cars, and boxing—building a lifelong love for movement and competition. Growing into adulthood, Van recognized the stark difference between those who prioritized fitness and those who didn’t. He saw the joy, unity, and peace that came with actively working towards health both physically and mentally. This realization sparked a deep commitment to health that has shaped his life and career ever since.
Now a local Firefighter EMT and Paramedic student, Van understands firsthand the importance of staying physically and mentally prepared. His career demands peak performance, and he has embraced the challenge by integrating fitness into every aspect of his life. For nearly four years, he has been dedicated to CrossFit, continually pushing his limits and refining his approach to training.
Van believes that improving physical health has a profound impact on mental well-being. His passion for fitness extends beyond personal goals—he is driven by a service-oriented mindset, always eager to share his knowledge and help others unlock their full potential.
With the launch of his new gym, Van is creating a space where people can transform their lives through fitness, just as he did. His mission is to build a community that prioritizes strength, resilience, and well-being, empowering members to achieve their goals and experience the joy that comes with a healthier, more active life. He is incredibly excited for this new chapter and hopes to positively impact as many people as possible along the way.
JILL MASON
COACH, FOUNDER
CF-L2
Jill graduated from University of Texas and played competitive sports her whole life, but CrossFit set a new standard. She has always had a passion for sports and fitness but getting introduced to CrossFit 13 years ago changed her life. She was a new mom of twins and needed accountability. At first, she was scared, nervous to try something new, something she knew nothing about. However, she quickly saw the benefits of functional, interval, strength training, and moving different modalities everyday. Jill quickly fell in love with the sport in 2012 and never turned back.
Jill’s passion is to help people change their lives in the simplest and most realistic way possible. Everyone deserves the right to good health and to be happy with themselves inside and out. Jill is both an Owner and Coach with over 6+ years experience and the community and people are truly what makes coaching so special. She opened up her 1st CrossFit gym in 2019 and now CrossFit Iron Country in 2025. From coaching the very beginner to competitive athletes, Jill loves helping people become healthier versions of themselves! She has a sincere passion for staying fit, motivating her children to move their bodies, and to work hard. When she is not working out, Jill enjoys being with her family and cheering them on in all their competitive sports and activities.
BIANCA NOGUERA
COACH, OWNER
CF-L1
Bianca’s journey to health and fitness wasn’t always a straight path. A lifelong competitive dancer and University of Miami graduate, she only discovered her passion for wellness toward the end of college. It all started when her brother, already deep into CrossFit, introduced her to the sport. Together, they followed the CrossFit season, watched Games documentaries on Netflix, and marveled at the incredible strength and resilience of the athletes. That inspiration planted a seed—one that would eventually grow into a life-changing passion.
When Bianca joined her first CrossFit gym, she dove in headfirst. It was harder than she ever imagined, but the challenge fueled her. The "newbie gains" kept her motivated, and the community empowered her like nothing she had experienced before. As she became fitter and stronger—physically and mentally—she saw firsthand how prioritizing health transformed every aspect of daily life. That gym didn’t just make her an athlete; it gave her lifelong friendships and even led her to her soon-to-be husband, Van. CrossFit didn’t just change her—it shaped her future.
Now, Bianca is bringing that same transformative experience to Northlake with Iron Country. She knows the power of CrossFit, not just as a workout but as a mindset for life. Her goal is to create a second home where people feel supported, challenged, and inspired to show up every day and give 100%—whatever that looks like for them. Because real change happens when you commit to yourself, one workout at a time.
JENNI KNIGHT
COACH
CF-L1
Meet Jenni, an active mom and proud advocate for balancing family life with fitness. Originally from Finland, Jenni’s athletic journey began at the age of 11 in track and field, where she spent years hurdling and conquering the painful 400-meter run. Her passion for sports took her to the US, where she competed in college track and field. As a dedicated mom, Jenni understands the importance of staying active, and she’s always found ways to incorporate fitness into her busy life, proving that it’s possible to be both a strong athlete and a loving, present parent.
After college, Jenni continued to challenge herself by competing in OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) events. However, it wasn’t until she discovered CrossFit that she truly reignited her love for sports. Beyond the intensity and variety of workouts, it was the incredible community, support, and friendships that CrossFit brought into her life that made all the difference. It’s not just about the physical gains—it’s about being part of something bigger and cheering each other on, no matter where you are in your journey.
Soon after finding her love for OCR events, Jenni dove into the world of Crossfit and Hyrox competitions, always driven to push her body to new heights. This passion for continuous growth and learning is what led her to coaching. Jenni’s goal is to inspire others to discover their full potential and find their own place in this incredible, supportive community. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, Jenni is here to help you crush goals, make lasting connections, and push past your boundaries.
ANA LAURA WILLIAMS
COACH
CF-L1
USAW-L1
YTT Certified
Ana was born and raised in Mexico in a large family of artists and musicians, which sparked her love for movement and creativity at an early age. She danced folklore for seven years before attending the Faculty of Contemporary Dance at the University of Veracruz in Xalapa, Mexico, where she studied techniques such as Graham, ballet, salon dance, music, and choreography.
Dance became a foundation for Ana’s personal growth, teaching her discipline, hard work, and resilience. In 2006, she moved to the United States to continue her studies and began teaching recreational gymnastics at WOGA in 2009. There, she discovered a new passion for gymnastics and expanded her understanding of movement.
Her fitness journey took another turn in 2013 when she found CrossFit. The challenge, community, and competitive spirit of the sport immediately drew her in. Ana earned her CrossFit Level 1 certification and began coaching and competing locally.
Continuing to deepen her knowledge, Ana completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training and a USA Weightlifting Level 1 certification. She has competed in multiple team and individual events, including qualifying for the Master Rx (35–39) division at TFX in her first individual competition and reaching the CrossFit Quarterfinals for the past three years.
For Ana, fitness became both therapy and empowerment—a way to feel strong, capable, and connected. She’s passionate about helping others experience that same transformation. Ana believes CrossFit is for everyone and feels honored to play a role in each athlete’s journey, striving to make every class the best hour of their day.
Outside the gym, Ana is married and a proud mom to two daughters and two stepdaughters—all of whom share her love for CrossFit.
MARK GARDNER
COACH
CF-L1
A lifelong athlete, Mark grew up playing baseball, basketball, football, and running track in high school before continuing with football and track at the collegiate level. His CrossFit journey started on a bet — and after getting humbled by “Cindy,” he was instantly hooked.
Since then, he’s trained and coached at more than 15 gyms across the country, starting in Waco, Texas, and bringing that same grit and passion wherever he goes. Mark believes CrossFit is more than just fitness — it’s the best way to build strength, resilience, and confidence that carry into every part of life.
He’s here for everyone — from the person walking through the door for the first time to the athlete chasing the podium. Doing hard things over and over again changes you — and that’s exactly what he’s here to help you do.
TIM PUTICH
COACH
CF-L1
Tim comes to the coaching staff as a newly certified CF-L1 with more than 13 years of CrossFit experience and a lifelong passion for functional fitness. He lives in Argyle with his wife of 15 years and their two daughters, who both attend Argyle schools.
Tim has spent over 17 years serving as a firefighter with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, following 5½ years with FDNY-EMS. His career in emergency services has shaped his belief in the importance of being prepared for the physical demands of real life—and he brings that same mindset and work ethic into the gym.
As a coach, Tim is excited to take on this new challenge, continue growing in this new role, and help athletes of all levels reach their fitness goals. His mission is simple: create an atmosphere where people can get stronger, move better, and have fun doing it.