Iron Rose Athletics
Who We Are
Iron Rose Athletics is a CrossFit and functional fitness gym in Butler, PA, built on family, community, and real‑life strength. We help people of every age and fitness level get stronger through expert coaching and supportive group classes.
ABOUT US
About Iron Rose Athletics
Iron Rose Athletics — built by Dave and Darcie Paule — came to life in 2023, but our love for CrossFit started in 2014. That’s when we first stepped into a CrossFit gym, training side‑by‑side, watching our kids grow up in the community, and building friendships that felt like family. Life pulled us toward another family business for a while, but the vision for this place never faded.
Today, our vision has a home right here in Butler, PA. We both grew up in this area, and it means everything to bring Iron Rose to the community that shaped us. This is a gym where every age, every background, and every starting point is welcome.
Our daughter Ella now coaches alongside us, making this a true family effort. We’re grateful every day to build a community that grows stronger together.
Experienced Coaches
Certified trainers who care about your progress, your confidence, and your safety.
All Ages Welcome
From students to grandparents — every workout can be scaled to your level.
Community Driven
Because fitness is better when you’re surrounded by people who cheer for you.
Meet our Team
David Paule
Owner, CF-L2
I am a graduate of Penn State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education. My fitness journey began at a young age through youth sports like football and baseball, and I started weightlifting at just 12 years old. As an adult, I became an avid cyclist, completing several road cycling events, while also competing in both road and trail races as a runner. Eventually, the trails — and the challenge of rucking — became my favorite way to train.
My passion for obstacle course racing eventually led me to CrossFit as a way to train for those events, and I began CrossFit in 2014.
I earned my CF-L1 certification in 2017 and advanced to CF-L2 in 2022. In 2021, I also added personal training to my coaching background. At Iron Rose Athletics, I bring my passion for education and CrossFit into every class I coach. I enjoy pushing athletes beyond their comfort zones to help them become stronger, more skilled athletes and more capable humans in everyday life.
Darcie Paule
CF-L2, PN-1 Certified Nutrition Coach
I’m a Registered Nurse with a Master’s Degree in Nursing, specializing in chronic disease management. I’m also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) and a Certified Nutrition Coach.
No matter the setting, I try to keep things real, practical, and focused on helping people build habits that actually fit their lives.
My husband, David, and I found CrossFit while training for obstacle‑course races — and we never looked back. Before that, I taught Zumba Fitness and became a certified Indoor Cycling instructor, so movement and community have always been a part of my life.
CrossFit has introduced me to some of the most incredible people I’ve ever known. This community keeps growing, and I’m grateful for the relationships and connections it brings into my life every day.
What I love most about CrossFit is that it teaches you that you are far stronger and more capable than you ever imagined. It pushes you beyond physical fitness and prepares you for real life — mentally, emotionally, and physically. I am committed to helping others discover that same strength and confidence within themselves.
Ella Paule
CF-L1, Nutrition Coaching
Hi Athletes! My name is Ella, and I am a coach here at Iron Rose. My parents, Dave and Darcie, opened this gym in late 2023, and it has been my favorite place to be ever since. Our community here is unmatched, filled with the most driven, kind, hilarious, hard-working, and reliable people Butler has to offer. I am so blessed to be a part of this amazing group.
I have done CrossFit since I was 10 years old! My parents introduced me to it, and what started out as simply watching them take classes and doing the occasional box jump or swing on the rig has turned into my sport for life. As a teenager in the sport, my focus was on competing. But as I grow up and continually find a stronger passion for coaching and community, I can confidently say that my favorite part about CrossFit is the privilege to witness our athletes be so proud of themselves.
CrossFit is a huge part of my life. I was CrossFit Club at Pitt’s president for 2 years, and it has introduced me to a new side quest of powerlifting, and it sparked my interest in pursuing an education in dietetics.
So please come check us out! You never know how the best, fittest, and healthiest version of you will feel until you try!
Jessica Holland
CF-L1
