As a senior in High School, preparing to play football at Hope College, Oatis Ackermann knew he needed to take his training to another level. His goal was clear: add size, increase his speed, and develop the strength required to compete against college athletes.

“I just heard a lot of recommendations from people,” Ackermann said, referring to PowerStrength. “The main thing was everyone was saying it just gets you bigger, faster, stronger—takes you to the next level. At that point, I really needed to gain some weight and get big for college football.”

It didn’t take long for the results to show. Ackermann quickly added lean muscle, saw major jumps in his squat and bench, and shaved time off his 10-yard sprint. 

“I feel I gained a lot of mobility too,” he said. “It keeps me safe, but it also keeps me quicker and stronger than the guy ahead of me who’s trying to block me. That definitely helps a lot in football.”

A STANDOUT AT HOPE COLLEGE

Those gains translated directly onto the field. At Hope, Ackermann became a four-year letter winner and twice earned All-Conference honors as a defensive tackle. His consistency in the weight room gave him confidence in his ability to compete at a high level.

“Mentally, it makes me feel better,” he said. “I know I’m putting in the work, and I know I’m doing everything I can here to just push myself and take it to the next level every day.”

His father, Chad, said the impact of PowerStrength was obvious.

“He made huge gains,” Chad said. “Part of it is the accountability; you’re with other athletes, and you push yourself, but they really had a good program to help him gain and make some pretty significant impacts with his strength and conditioning. He’s had a really good career, and I think that was a big part of it. And he never had any injuries either, and I think that has a lot to do with it when you’re taking care of your body.”

TAKING HIS GAME OVERSEAS

Ackermann’s football career isn’t stopping after graduation. A study abroad trip to Japan unexpectedly opened the door to the next chapter.

“I studied abroad in Japan last May, and people said they could get me plugged in with football,” Ackermann explained. “I didn’t really think much of it… but the second time I went back, I had like five pro visits and practices. I was just practicing with the teams and showing what I got. And here I am.”

In Japan, Ackermann will be one of just three non-Japanese players allowed per team in the league. While practices and schedules look different—most players work full-time jobs during the week and play on weekends—the level of competition is high. To prepare, Ackermann returned to PowerStrength this Summer to train under the guidance of certified coaches.

“Coming in here helps a lot,” he said. “Just grinding day in and day out and being ready for everything football throws at me.”

BEYOND THE FIELD

While football will take up his weekends, Ackermann will also be teaching at an English-speaking kindergarten during the week. He expects to spend a couple of years in Japan before eventually returning to Michigan.

Looking back, he knows the consistency of training at PowerStrength gave him the foundation to chase opportunities like this.

“When I am stacking days at PowerStrength, I can see the results very fast,” Ackermann said. “I think the more you put into this place, the more you’re going to get out. That’s a recurring theme I’ve definitely seen in myself and other people.”

For young athletes considering PowerStrength, his advice is simple: “Try it. You’re gonna probably like it. It’s hard, but it gets you to where you want to be, and it helps you achieve your goals in life. It’s a good community too – a good group of people who come in here and push each other.”

From East Grand Rapids to Hope College, and now to professional football in Japan, Ackermann’s journey is proof of what can happen when talent meets work ethic, consistency, and the right training environment.

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. And a new Byron Center location Opening later this Fall!

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