Jessica Jacobs
Jessica Jacobs is a dynamic endurance and strength coach, decorated Army veteran, and former professional triathlete with a career spanning across elite athletics, military service, and leadership roles in coaching and education. After earning her degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse—where she also competed in cross country and track—Jessica served over six years in the U.S. Army as a Logistics Officer. Her military career included deployments supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where she held multiple leadership roles and oversaw the health and readiness of more than 1,500 soldiers and their families.
Following her military service, Jessica excelled as a professional triathlete and marathon runner for nearly a decade. She competed at the Ironman World Championships five times and was ranked the 13th fastest female long-course triathlete in the world. Her victories include Ironman Florida (2010 & 2011), Ironman Wisconsin (2011), and several 70.3 races. Beyond her achievements in racing, she has coached aspiring special warfare candidates, high school athletes, and military personnel, blending her firsthand competitive experience with her deep knowledge of physiology and training.
Jessica is also a devoted wife and mother of two, one of the youngest in a family of eight children, and currently explores ultra running—tackling 100-mile races with the same grit and resilience that defined her military and athletic careers. She is actively seeking new opportunities in project management, operations, and emergency response, while continuing to give back to her community through veteran support and health-focused volunteerism.
• Emergency and Incident Response to Biohazard Spills and Releases
• GCP – Social and Behavioral Research Best Practices for Clinical Research
• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Responsible Conduct of Research
• Basic Introduction to Biosafety
• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse- B.S.
• University of Wisconsin-La Crosse- B.A.Sc.
• Charity/Non Profit - Team 1 Mile a charity cycling event ride for 5 days she is chief rider
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, the unwavering support of my family—especially my husband and children—and the strong values instilled in me by how I was raised.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find someone you admire and don’t be afraid to ask tough questions—always stay curious, stay humble enough to ask for help, and remember that being approachable and friendly can go hand in hand with speaking with confidence and conviction.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the field right now is overcoming the reluctance of certain groups to participate, often due to feeling intimidated or threatened, which creates barriers to inclusion and progress.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both work and personal life are integrity, honesty, and respect, as they form the foundation of trust and meaningful relationships.