Tessa Heffelbower, a junior softball player at Hudsonville High School, embodies the dedication, grit, and relentless pursuit of excellence that defines a serious athlete. 

For the past three years, Tessa has made PowerStrength Training Systems a key part of her journey to the top. No matter where her busy schedule takes her—whether it’s her high school season or traveling the country for elite softball tournaments—Tessa never misses her workouts. 

Her commitment to training has helped propel her and her team to remarkable achievements, including an undefeated season and Division 1 state championship this past spring.

Tessa recently took a major step in her athletic career by committing to play college softball at Michigan State University, a dream realized after years of hard work and focus. But this milestone hasn’t slowed her down; in fact, it has only intensified her drive to continue improving.

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DISCOVERING POWERSTRENGTH

Tessa’s journey with PowerStrength began in her eighth-grade year when she was looking for a way to gain a competitive edge. 

“Some of my friends went here, and they always talked about how good it was and how much they had gained,” Tessa recalled. “I was just doing stuff at home and didn’t know if it was helping or not. When I came here, I felt the immediate impact they were talking about.”

Starting straight into the high school group, Tessa saw rapid improvement in her performance, especially in her speed and agility. 

“I was just becoming faster, stronger, and more athletic. Every time they did testing, my numbers were increasing dramatically—it was crazy,” she said. 

For Tessa, these early results were a turning point, validating her decision to commit fully to training at PowerStrength.

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DIFFERENCE ON THE FIELD

Tessa’s hard work off the field quickly translated to on-field success. 

“Honestly, within the first month, I already felt faster running from home to first,” she explained. “Playing middle infield, you have to be really quick side to side to get to ground balls. I was just way quicker and had a wider range of stuff I could get to.”

Her newfound strength also began to show in her hitting. 

“I’ve gotten a lot stronger,” Tessa said. “Now, I’m hitting for power—gap to gap and hitting home runs when my team needs it the most.”

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COLLEGE DECISION

In September, Tessa committed to play at Michigan State University, which felt like a natural choice for her. 

“I went there for camp two and a half years ago, and as soon as I stepped on campus, it felt like home,” she said. “The campus is beautiful, and I loved the coaches. They were super personable and made me feel like I fit in right away.” 

After visiting several other schools, including Michigan, Wisconsin, and Kentucky, Tessa knew Michigan State was the perfect fit for her.

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THE RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF GREATNESS

Unlike many athletes who take time off during the season, Tessa believes in training year-round, even when the demands of travel softball take her all over the country. 

During Hudsonville’s run to the division1 state championship in June, Tessa was at PowerStength training the day after the Eagles state quarterfinal win, and the day before their state semifinal game.

“We play almost every single day during high school, but me and my teammates still find time to get in here during the week,” Tessa said. “I think that helps us get that 1% better every day, and it sets us apart when it’s tournament time.”

When asked what motivates her to keep going, Tessa’s answer is simple but powerful: “Now is the hardest I’ve ever had to work. I tell myself I have to work my butt off now because I want to get to college ready to compete. I don’t want to be behind the upperclassmen; I want to fit right in.”

Tessa’s commitment is so strong that even when she’s traveling for week-long tournaments, she makes sure to train wherever she can, whether it’s getting a workout in during the few days she’s home or using a hotel gym to maintain her strength and conditioning.

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THE POWER OF POWERSTRENGTH

One of the key reasons for Tessa’s continued success is the environment at PowerStrength. Training alongside other serious athletes has pushed her to new heights. 

“When I see people doing more chin-ups than me during testing, it makes me mad,” Tessa said with a smile. “It motivates me to work harder so that next time, I can beat them.”

But it’s not just the competition that keeps her coming back. The supportive, close-knit community at PowerStrength has become like a second family. 

“It’s fun to come here,” Tessa said. “Everyone’s super close, and I’ve met so many people from different schools who also work out here. That’s the biggest thing—it’s like a family.”

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FUTURE GOALS

With two high school seasons left before she heads to Michigan State, Tessa’s goals remain clear. 

“I want to get All-State again for the next two years, and as a team, our goal is to win another state championship,” she said. 

Despite losing a few key players, Tessa and her teammates remain determined to compete at the highest level.

As Tessa continues her journey, there’s no doubt that PowerStrength will remain a crucial part of her success. Through hard work, consistency, and the relentless pursuit of improvement, Tessa Heffelbower is setting herself up for greatness—both in high school and at the next level.

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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, Holland, Jenison, and Plainfield.

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