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More Than Stronger Athletes: PowerStrength Youth Academy Is Helping Kids Grow in Confidence and Character
When Brian and Katie Pirog decided to enroll their children in the PowerStrength Youth Training Program, their goal was simple: give their kids the right foundation for sports and life.
Jack, 10, and Reese, 8, were already active in athletics. Jack was playing golf and lacrosse. Reese was deeply involved in gymnastics. Their parents knew that sports alone wouldn’t be enough to maximize their development.
They wanted something that would complement their sports, build strength safely, and help them grow as people.
What they found at PowerStrength was much more than a workout.
A FOUNDATION BUILT THE RIGHT WAY
PowerStrength’s Youth Training Program is specifically designed for developing athletes in grades 3rd through 7th, focusing on movement fundamentals, coordination, and confidence rather than simply lifting weights. The goal is to help young athletes “learn to train” properly while building a strong foundation for long-term athletic success.
For the Pirog family, that philosophy aligned perfectly with what they wanted for their children.
“We know that they’re involved in sports,” Katie said. “We know that there needs to be something added to their sports to complement what they’re doing and get the best out of their training.”
From the very first visit, the environment stood out.
“We love the community that you have here,” she said. “The minute the kids came in here, they just thought it was the best place to come. The coaches really treat them like big humans. They aren’t just kids here. They’re training them to be good people along with their workout. There’s just so much more than a workout when they come here.”
REAL RESULTS
While the focus was always on development, the performance gains have been undeniable.
Jack’s athletic progress has been dramatic.
“Jack has dramatically improved,” Brian explained. “From a golf game perspective, before he came here, he might be able to hit a drive 100 or 110 yards. He’ll go into the summer this year averaging just over 200 off the tee.”
That strength and confidence have carried into lacrosse as well.
“In lacrosse, he’s kind of an animal all over the field,” Brian said. “It really shows the techniques and training here.”
For Reese, the training has complemented the demanding schedule of competitive gymnastics.
“She practices about 16 hours a week,” Brian said. “Coming here helps her work different muscle groups. The coaches understand she’s a gymnast and train her for what she needs.”
The results have already shown up in competition.
“She’s had two competitive meets so far and placed first in both of those for her level.”
THE POWER OF CONFIDENCE
While the physical improvements have been exciting, the biggest change Katie and Brian have noticed has nothing to do with sports.
It’s confidence.
“My daughter can be a little shy,” Katie explained. “Especially with older coaches. But they made her feel at home. It was nice to see her feel confident walking in here.”
That confidence shows up everywhere.
“She’ll come home and say, ‘I did more pull-ups than the boys did,’” Katie said with a smile. “For an eight-year-old girl who’s coming here, it can be intimidating. But now she knows she can be just as strong as they are.”
Jack’s confidence has grown in a different way.
“Early on in lacrosse, he was timid,” Brian said. “He was worried about getting hit. Now that’s not even a fear. He’s the opposite now.”
That competitive spirit carries beyond sports.
“You can see it in school,” Brian said. “If they can set goals here and be competitive here, they can do that at school as well.”
THE COACHES MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
For the Pirog family, the biggest reason their kids love training at PowerStrength is the environment created by the coaching staff.
“What I appreciate most is the sense of community,” Katie said. “The coaches here are wonderful to the kids. They are influences that the kids look up to.”
The kids notice it too.
“Every time they come out to the car after practice they say, ‘That was a great workout. It was so much fun,’” she said. “They work hard, but they also have a good time doing it.”
Brian has seen that personal connection as well.
“The coaches get to know the kids on an individual basis,” he said.
Even when Reese can’t attend every session due to gymnastics, the coaches still ask about her progress.
“They’ll say, ‘How’s Reese doing?’ That goes a long way. It makes her feel accepted, and it motivates her to come back.”
And when the kids walk through the doors?
“They’re greeted like rock stars,” Brian said. “The coaches are yelling their names, giving them high fives, and asking about their sports. That kind of encouragement makes a big difference.”
LEADERSHIP AND LIFE SKILL
Another unexpected benefit of training has been the leadership qualities developing in Jack.
“The feedback we get from the coaches is that he helps the kids who are new here,” Katie said. “He’s not just learning the athletic side of things. He’s learning the leadership side as well.”
That development is intentional.
PowerStrength emphasizes discipline, healthy habits, and confidence through structured coaching and small-group training environments.
For kids like Jack and Reese, those lessons go far beyond the gym.
WHY THE PIROGS RECOMMEND POWERSTRENGTH
The Pirogs don’t hesitate when talking to other parents about the program.
“We’ve recruited a bunch of friends to come,” Katie said. “It’s a great community-focused organization. These kids are gaining strength, but they’re also having fun.”
Brian offers similar advice.
“Research it. Give it a shot,” he said. “Most people who do that end up sticking with it.”
That’s because the impact becomes obvious quickly.
“When people ask why our kids are doing well, there’s a strong reason why,” Brian said. “It’s not just us as parents. There’s also the work they’re putting in here.”
MORE THAN TRAINING
For the Pirog family, PowerStrength has become something more meaningful than a place to work out.
Katie sums it up in one word.
“Community,” she said. “I feel a sense of community every single time I walk in. And so do the kids.”
Brian sees it as something equally powerful.
“PowerStrength is a godsend,” he said. “For the kids, it’s an opportunity to challenge themselves, meet kids from different schools, and understand that everyone is great at something different.”
That perspective, he believes, will stay with them long after youth sports are over.
And for Jack and Reese, it’s already shaping the way they approach challenges — on the field, in the gym, and in life.
Because at PowerStrength, the goal isn’t just stronger athletes.
It’s confident young people ready to take on whatever comes next.
GET STARTED WITH THE POWERSTRENGTH YOUTH ACADEMY
If you have a child in 3rd–7th grade and want them to build confidence, speed, strength, coordination, and long-term athletic foundations before the competition ramps up, the PowerStrength Youth Academy is where that journey begins.
Our Youth Academy facilities in Jenison and Plainfield offer the most session availability for developing young athletes. Youth training is also available at our Alpine, Kentwood, and Holland locations, with more limited session options.
Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to schedule your assessment and get started.