05/03/2025
Let’s give Jess (our new personal trainer/coach) a big welcome to Onyx!
Hey everyone! I’m Jess Markanich, and I’m pumped to be part of the Onyx Athletics community!
�Fitness, sports, and strength have always been central to my life. I bring over 10 years of experience in the world of coaching, teaching, and training—from the high school classroom to the collegiate weight room and everywhere in between.
I hold dual Master’s degrees: one in Applied Exercise Science with a focus in Strength & Conditioning, and another in Sport Coaching (in progress). I’m a Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist and Sports Nutrition Coach.
Before coming to Onyx, I spent 9 years teaching Physical Education and coaching a range of sports—softball, wrestling, soccer, and track & field. My passion lies in building strong, confident athletes and everyday individuals who want to move better, feel better, and perform at their best.
Originally from the south suburbs of Chicago, I played Division I softball at South Dakota State University, which helped shape my love for discipline, competition, and teamwork.
I moved to Colorado in 2021 and have been deeply involved in local athletics and organizations ever since—coaching, mentoring, and helping others push their limits. When I’m not coaching or programming workouts, I love playing competitive slowpitch softball, watching sports, sipping a strong cup of coffee, and spending quality time with my wife and our 3 dogs.
My coaching mantra is: “Be the best version of yourself, even when no one else is watching!”
Let’s get to work, Onyx fam. Let’s get strong—together.