As a 4th grader, Nolan Larose started training at PowerStrength. He stepped into an environment that very few kids his age were experiencing at that time.

“I started coming to PowerStrength about 7 years ago,” Nolan recalled. “That was 4th grade.”

At the time, Nolan often trained alongside older athletes—including his brother Owen—inside an environment built on effort, coaching, and accountability. 

Read about Owen’s confidence jump at PowerStrength.

What started as early exposure has turned into a long-term advantage as Nolan now prepares for his Junior season of high school baseball and a jump from JV to Varsity.

As PowerStrength prepares to open The PowerStrength Academy, Nolan’s story is a clear example of what happens when athletes are developed the right way, at the right time, and surrounded by the right people.

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EARLY EXPOSURE CREATES LONG-TERM CONFIDENCE

Nolan still remembers his first impressions of the gym.

“It was definitely a little bit shocking,” he said. “You see how strong people are, and it kind of gives you motivation to get there one day.”

That initial intimidation didn’t last long. What stood out immediately was the culture.

“The trainers make you feel like you’re part of a family here,” Nolan said. “That definitely eased up some of the nerves.”

Those relationships—built with certified coaches and fellow athletes—have kept Nolan consistent through elementary school, middle school, and now into high school. PowerStrength didn’t just become a place to train. It became a 2nd home.

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TRAINING THAT TRANSLATES TO PERFORMANCE

Over 7 years, Nolan’s growth has been measurable—both physically and on the field.

“I’ve seen it in stats,” he said. “From my freshman year to my sophomore year on JV, it just looks like I was a completely different person. Going from about a .300 batting average to a .420 batting average—you see big jumps like that.”

That kind of jump doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from years of intentional training, movement quality, strength development, and confidence built over time.

Now in his 2nd year of Premier, PowerStrength’s most advanced training program, Nolan is training in an environment designed for serious athletes.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “I did it last year and gained about 25 pounds. You could just see massive amounts of growth. It’s a lot more intense, you’re with a group of guys competing—it’s just an awesome environment.”

Premier isn’t just about physical output. It creates standards, competition, and accountability—key elements Nolan knows he’ll need at the Varsity level this Spring.

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PREPARING FOR THE JUMP TO VARSITY

Last season, Nolan earned a taste of Varsity baseball during districts. This year, the goal is to contribute consistently.

“I think Premier is going to help a lot with getting me prepared for the Varsity level,” he said. “Seeing how much work it takes to compete at that level—I’ve just put in the work to be ready.”

That preparation shows up not just in strength and speed, but in confidence.

“When I step on the field, there’s just a level of confidence,” Nolan said. “When you’ve put in all this work, you know you’re ready. Especially stepping into the batter’s box.”

Confidence, in Nolan’s case, isn’t manufactured. It’s earned.

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WHY STARTING EARLY MATTERS

With 7 years of training behind him, Nolan has a unique perspective on youth development—and why early exposure matters.

“You can tell the kids who have lifted before and the kids who haven’t,” he said. “Getting exposed early is very beneficial as you transition into middle school and high school.”

That philosophy is exactly what drives The PowerStrength Academy. Youth training is about teaching movement, building habits, and developing confidence early so athletes aren’t starting from scratch later.

“There’s a lot more coaching here,” Nolan said. “You have a connection with the trainers, it’s different.”

That difference compounds over time.

Join the Academy Insider list HERE to receive updates, early access, and special upcoming youth programs.

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A STANDARD THAT EXTENDS BEYOND THE GYM

Training at PowerStrength has shaped how Nolan approaches more than just baseball.

“The big thing here is ‘Complacency Kills,’” he said. “I apply that to everyday life—just trying to get better every day.”

That mindset, paired with a competitive yet supportive environment, is why Nolan continues to show up year after year—and why he believes others should do the same.

“Just come in and give it 100%,” he said. “Work hard, and you’ll get to where you want to be.”

When asked to sum it all up, Nolan didn’t hesitate.

“PowerStrength is awesome,” he said. “It truly is the best place to work out in West Michigan.”

For athletes preparing to take the next step—whether that’s Youth, Freshman, JV, or Varsity—Nolan’s journey shows what’s possible when development starts early and never stops.

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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, Holland, and Byron Center.

Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to schedule your assessment and get started.