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Beating the Odds: How Jake Chapman Fought Back to Compete Again
Jake Chapman’s story isn’t just about lifting weights or scoring points—it’s about resilience, community, and a relentless drive to get better.
The Unity Christian standout in football and basketball is now headed to Grand Rapids Community College to continue his basketball career, and his journey has been anything but typical.
Jake began training at PowerStrength in March 2023, just after wrapping up his sophomore season on the varsity basketball team.
His goal was clear: “I wanted to gain some weight, get bigger, faster, stronger. I wanted to challenge myself a little bit more. I wanted to stand out and separate myself from others,” he said.
The results came quickly.
“More explosive, bigger, faster,” Jake noted. “It just helps in general for basketball and football. It helped me be more explosive off the floor. Move my feet faster on defense. That was something I struggled with and told them that I want to get better at and they helped me.”
He gained 15 pounds of muscle, boosting his weight from 180 to 195 pounds, and made measurable improvements in athleticism—like adding 10 inches to his broad jump and increasing his vertical enough to dunk with ease off two feet.
“I saw the improvemnt in my vertical being able to jump off two feet and dunk,” he said. “Going from one foot to just being able to walk up and stand and dunk it.”
But just as his momentum was building, everything changed.
A LIFE-ALTERING SETBACK
In September 2023, Jake suffered cardiac arrest—a terrifying event that left him in the hospital and stripped him of 30 pounds and much of the strength he had worked so hard to build.
“I came in here at about 165 pounds after the hospital. I lost all my strength. I remember getting out of the hospital bed with a walker and barely being able to stand,” Jake recalled. “I was nervous coming back. But I came in, started working, and I’ve gained everything back—plus some.”
His return to PowerStrength marked the beginning of one of the most important comebacks of his life.
“It’s not like you’re going through the motions. The coaches are always watching and make sure you’re doing things right, and if you have questions, you can ask them.”
The certified trainers worked with him step by step to build back strength, size, and—just as importantly—confidence.
“Seeing those results gave me all the confidence back that I didn’t have when I first walked back in those doors,” Jake said.
BACK IN ACTION
Despite everything he had been through, Jake returned to play both football and basketball his Senior year.
“PowerStrength definitely gave me that physical part of being able to start for football,” he said. “And for basketball, it gave me the endurance and strength to get up and down the court again. That was the biggest thing I had to work back toward.”
Through it all, he remained consistent with his training at PowerStrength – even while balancing school, AAU basketball, and recovery. Whether he was coming off a weekend tournament or prepping for the next game, the PowerStrength staff adjusted his training based on how he felt.
“If I played all weekend, I’d come in and they’d ask what’s sore and tailor the session to help me recover,” Jake said. “I like how it is personalized. They look after you and take care of your body.”
BUILT TO COMPETE
For Jake, PowerStrength wasn’t just a gym – it was a place to compete, grow, and be known.
“It’s a place where I can come to get after it and compete, but also have fun. I know the coaches. It’s a place I call home.”
That balance of high standards and strong relationships helped prepare Jake for what’s next: college basketball at Grand Rapids Community College.
“If I didn’t come here, I’d be less prepared,” Jake said. “Coming here showed me how to lift, how to work, and seeing the results has prepared me tremendously.”
As a college freshman, he’s focused on making an impact however he can – off the bench, on the boards, in practice, or in the paint.
“I just want to help the team and get better. That’s who I am.”
LOOKING AHEAD
While Jake had offers in both football and basketball, his cardiac episode ultimately guided him to pursue basketball long-term – a choice he’s embraced with maturity and gratitude.
Looking back, Jake knows that his commitment and the support from PowerStrength helped make his goal of playing in college possible.
“If people stick with it and are motivated, they will see results. I don’t know anyone who stopped coming because they didn’t like it or they didn’t see the results” he said.
From a hospital bed to a college basketball court, Jake Chapman’s transformation is a testament to what’s possible with faith, family, and the right team behind you.
GET STARTED AT POWERSTRENGTH
4th-12th grade athletes of all sports and abilities can also sign up at PowerStrength at any time while spots remain. Choose the PowerStrength location most convenient for you – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, and Holland.
Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to schedule your assessment and get started.
