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Breaking Limits: Dylann Kelly’s Journey from Underdog to College Volleyball Commit
Dylann Kelly, a senior volleyball player at Jenison High School, embodies what it means to rise above challenges.
Once overlooked on her high school and travel teams, Dylann is now celebrating a life-changing accomplishment: earning a volleyball scholarship to Ferris State University.
Her transformation, both on and off the court, is a testament to her dedication and the guidance she received at PowerStrength Training Systems.
DISCOVERING POWERSTRENGTH
Dylann’s introduction to PowerStrength came during her freshman year of high school, influenced by friends and family who raved about the gym’s life-changing impact.
“All my friends do it, I come here with my cousin all the time, my aunt and uncle come here—it feels like everybody from our community comes here,” Dylann shared.
Inspired by older athletes who credited PowerStrength with helping them earn college scholarships, she decided to give it a try.
FINDING CONFIDENCE AND PUSHING LIMITS
From day one, PowerStrength became a safe space for Dylann to grow without the pressure of comparison.
“I compare myself to a lot of people, but here I felt so safe. The trainers were supportive and gave me workouts that fit my needs. It’s like an escape from all the comparisons at school,” she said.
Through personalized coaching and a supportive environment, Dylann began pushing her limits.
“It never really occurred to me that I had limits,” she admitted. “Here they make sure I’m always lifting more than I think I can, and they always put an expectation on me that I can do this and it really helps.”
The coaches encouraged her to lift more than she thought possible and challenged her to believe in herself.
“It’s about confidence—whether it’s maxing my squat or just getting up for warm-ups. PowerStrength has allowed me to know what I’m capable of.”
IN-SEASON TRAINING
Dylann trains at PowerStrength during her volleyball season to maintain and build upon the gains she made in the off-season to get optimal results on the court.
“Here they work so many different parts of your body. It’s not just ‘I’m going to squat this much,’ they work every bone in your body and it’s very helpful, I’m very grateful that they do that.”
The PowerStrength coaches caters each session to the needs of every athletes. If an athlete is in the middle of a sports season, their training at PowerStrength is based on their practice and game schedules to ensure the athletes are in peak physical condition.
“They focus on what I need and I just feel so supported.”
IMPACT ON THE COURT
The strength and confidence Dylann gained at PowerStrength has translated directly to her performance on the volleyball court. She’s become a leader, not just for her high school team but also for her travel squad.
“I want to be someone the underclassmen look up to. PowerStrength has helped me embody that,” Dylann said.
Even after dealing with ankle injuries that once required therapy, her training has made a noticeable difference.
“I haven’t had to go back to physical therapy since last summer. I don’t even complain about my ankle anymore,” she explained.
PowerStrength’s focus on tailored exercises, like ankle stability work, ensured Dylann could perform at her best without fear of reinjury.
CHOOSING FERRIS STATE
Dylann’s hard work caught the attention of college coaches, leading her to a difficult decision between Ferris State and Eastern Michigan. Ultimately, Ferris State felt like home.
“The community, the coaching staff, the campus—it all felt right,” she said. “The coaches care about you no matter if you’re a senior or an incoming freshman. That meant so much to me.”
POWERSTRENGTH’S ROLE IN HER SUCCESS
The idea of playing in college didn’t present itself for Dylann until recently.
“The teams I’ve been on, I’ve never really been able to stand out and once the first coach started reaching out and the emails came in, I noticed that I have the capability of doing this. I needed to start playing and practicing like it. Especially lifting here [at PowerStrength], it all reflects on who you are on the court, so that really helped me.”
For Dylann, PowerStrength was more than a gym—it was a game-changer.
“Definitely the intensity of it. It is a community that will help you, it’s a community that’s going to push you. I got to experience challenges to the most extreme measure, and it’s fun getting to compete and seeing how much you improve. I know that I’m prepared for what I’m going to do in college coming here and it’s just such a great environment.” she said.
The challenges she faced in training helped her grow mentally and physically, giving her the confidence to embrace the demands of college athletics.
ADVICE FOR OTHERS
Dylann encourages others to trust the process and embrace failure as part of growth.
“Stop comparing yourself to other people. Everyone’s journey is different, and your success is your own,” she said.
Dylann Kelly’s story is proof that hard work, determination, and the right support system can turn dreams into reality. As she prepares for her next chapter at Ferris State, her PowerStrength Family is very proud of the athlete and person she’s become.
GET STARTED AT POWERSTRENGTH
4th-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, and Holland.
Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athletes to learn more or click below to schedule your assessment and get started.
