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
Owner, Admin, 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.
Sorcia Joyal
Strength and Conditioning, Personal Training
Sorcia is an International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Personal Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Coach with a background as a former professional dancer. Her experience in high-performance environments shapes her approach to training—focused on discipline, movement quality, and maximizing performance. [...]















