When Katelyn Allen began training PowerStrength at the start of her Freshman year at Northview High School, she had big goals that most people would have called ambitious: make it to the State Finals in Diving and earn a spot on the Varsity Softball team — as a Freshman. 

She accomplished both, and that was just the beginning.

Now a Junior, Katelyn has been to the State Diving Finals three consecutive years. This past Fall, she finished second in the state. 

On the Softball diamond, she has been a Varsity contributor since day one, playing wherever the team needs her — third base her first two seasons, before moving to her natural position at shortstop this Spring.

The improvement hasn’t happened by accident.

“I’ve built so much height off the (diving) board, and I’ve gotten faster and stronger,” Katelyn said. “My throwing speeds have gone up, my bat speed has increased. I definitely think that’s all from training here.”

FROM INTIMIDATED TO STATE RUNNER-UP

Katelyn will be the first to admit that walking through the doors of PowerStrength for the first time wasn’t exactly comfortable. She didn’t know anyone, and the environment was new. But that feeling didn’t last long.

“It was a little intimidating because I didn’t know a lot of people,” she said. “But everyone’s super friendly, and I made friends and created relationships with the coaches.”

Her progression in diving tells the story of what three years of consistent training can do. 

As a Freshman, she competed on day one of the State Finals. In her Sophomore year, she finished eighth. This past Fall, as a Junior, she stood on the podium in second place.

“The height, the power off the board — but overall, mentally too,” Katelyn said. “The coaches push you to what they think you can do, and it just boosts your confidence.”

THE MENTAL SIDE OF THE GAINS

One of the most striking parts of Katelyn’s journey isn’t measurable in inches or seconds. She describes herself as someone who always had athletic ability but struggled with confidence, always thinking the person next to her was better. 

That has changed.

“I used to look up to the high schoolers,” she said. “Now I’m at that point where I want people to look up to me. I’ve definitely gotten better as an athlete mentally.”

That confidence shows up on the Softball field, too. She’s more aggressive on the bases now — not because someone told her to be, but because she knows she’s faster than she used to be. 

“I’m way more aggressive running the bases because I know I’m faster,” she said. “That definitely helps a lot.”

THE POWERSTRENGTH DIFFERENCE

Katelyn has done other workouts in the past. She doesn’t anymore. The difference, in her words, comes down to attention and accountability.

“At PowerStrength, there are never more than seven athletes to a coach,” she said. “They’re watching your form, making sure you’re not getting hurt or doing something wrong.”

She also thrives in the competitive, communal energy of training alongside other serious athletes. A self-described competitive person, Katelyn pushes herself harder when others are around — and she pushes them too.

“When we’re sprinting, I’m trying to beat the person next to me,” she said. “If I’m sharing a rack with someone, I’m pushing them to do better. It’s a really positive environment, and I really like that.”

With college recruiting conversations already underway — in both Diving and Softball — Katelyn is training with her next chapter in mind. She sees the college athletes around her at PowerStrength not as a reminder of how far away that level is, but as proof that she can get there.

“It’s the best thing I’ve chosen to do for myself as an athlete,” Katelyn said. “It’s made me stronger and a better athlete.”

Are you a high school athlete with big goals?

3rd–12th grade athletes of all sports and abilities can sign up at PowerStrength at any time while spots remain. Choose the PowerStrength location most convenient for you – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, Holland, or Byron Center.

Visit powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact to get started.