I’m Ayanna (uh-YAN-nah), but I go by Yanna. Born and raised in Iowa, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management from Iowa State University in 2020. In 2021, I relocated to Atlanta to kickstart my career in food manufacturing.
A proud plant mom to over 20 (and counting!), my love for greenery runs deep, rooted in a family tradition of gardening passed down from my grandparents, who hail from the countryside of Mississippi. This summer, I’m excited to try my hand at sowing an apartment patio garden.
Outside of work, I find joy in cooking and baking new recipes, embracing all things creative, and making unforgettable memories with my favorite people. I have a deep love for travel, always eager to explore new places, and there’s nothing I cherish more than being outdoors, fully immersed in nature’s beauty.
Ayanna Wallican Green’s path to becoming a Grid League athlete is a story of continuous evolution. Starting as a gymnast in Waterloo, Iowa, she built a foundation that would shape her future in competitive fitness, leading her to discover new strengths in CrossFit and eventually the Grid League.
Between 2013 and 2016, Ayanna made her mark in gymnastics at Cedar Valley Gymnastics Academy. Competing in the Xcel Program divisions, she consistently delivered strong performances, particularly in vault events where she scored as high as 8.85. Her dedication showed in All-Around scores ranging from 31.9 to 35.8, marking her as a well-rounded athlete who could excel across different events.
The transition from gymnastics to CrossFit marked a turning point in Ayanna’s athletic career. Despite initial hesitation, she admits being “terrified of CrossFit” at first, she found her place at CrossFit EFP, The Combine in Mableton, Georgia. Her experience there transformed her perspective on fitness, particularly appreciating how workouts could be scaled to match individual abilities and energy levels.
“When I joined Combine I had no idea it would come with such a great gym family,” Ayanna shared in a recent review. This sentiment reflects her appreciation for the community aspect of fitness, something that has become central to her athletic philosophy.
Her academic journey parallel her athletic development. At the University of Northern Iowa, she contributed to meaningful projects, including the Rod Library Art+Feminism Wikipedia Edit-a-thon in 2018. This work showed her commitment to making positive changes beyond the gym, helping to improve representation of women and minorities in digital spaces.
The move from Iowa to Georgia opened new doors for Ayanna. After working with the School District of Waterloo, she relocated to Mableton, where she found her current fitness community. The change of scenery brought fresh opportunities and challenges, all of which she has embraced with characteristic determination.
In the CrossFit environment, Ayanna has become known for her encouraging approach to fitness. She often reminds others that every workout can be adapted to individual needs, making fitness accessible to everyone. This inclusive mindset, combined with her competitive background, makes her a natural fit for the emerging challenges of the Grid League.
As Ayanna continues to develop in the Grid League, her diverse athletic background gives her unique advantages. The precision and body control from gymnastics, combined with the functional fitness strength gained through CrossFit, create a solid foundation for this new chapter in her athletic career.
The story of Ayanna Wallican Green shows how athletic passion can evolve and grow in unexpected ways. From the gymnastics mat to the CrossFit box, and now to the Grid League, she continues to push boundaries and inspire others to discover their own potential in fitness.
Not on a 2026 roster. You can sponsor a current Wild player.
We use cookies to measure visits and show relevant ads. Cookie policy
Your Privacy Choices
Your browser sends a Global Privacy Control signal, so advertising stays off.
