COACHES
Vanessa Poretsis
Coach
Vanessa has been passionate about fitness from a young age. Growing up playing soccer, she developed a strong appreciation for athletic performance and physical conditioning. At just 16, she began weight training and quickly discovered a love for strength training that would shape her lifelong commitment to health and fitness.[...]
Jessa Manz
Co-Owner, Personal Training
Jessa is a certified Personal Trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and co-owner of Empire Athletics & Wellness. She is passionate about helping people transform their health through a holistic, trauma-informed approach, believing that true wellness happens when the mind and body are supported in an inclusive and compassionate environment. [...]
Cam Smith
Strength and Conditioning Coach, Personal Training
Cam is a certified personal trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) with a lifelong passion for fitness, performance, and sport. Born and raised in Victoria, Cam grew up immersed in athletics, spending most of his life playing competitive hockey..[...]
Zaylee Wendt
Personal Training
Zaylee is a certified personal trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association(ISSA). She has always had a passion for health and fitness, actively participating in sports since a young age. She chose a career in nursing, becoming Registered Psychiatric Nurse and worked in that field for ten years before pursing her love for fitness. [...]
Bryan Colwell
Head Boxing Coach, Strength and Conditioning Coach
Bryan began his boxing journey at the age of 19, which is widely regarded as a late start in the sport. However, he demonstrated remarkable talent by winning his first fight at 22, quickly rising to become the BC provincial champion. [...]
Danielle Delage
Kinesiologist, Strength and Conditioning Coach
Danielle is a Registered Kinesiologist who graduated with honors in Kinesiology and Physical Education from the University of Toronto. While at the UofT, she was a member of the Varsity Track and Field team and won the national title in women’s high jump in 2017.














