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Peyton Hein’s Two-Sport Rise at Spring Lake
Peyton Hein was already a two-sport varsity starter at Spring Lake by her Sophomore year. She didn’t need PowerStrength to prove she was a good athlete.
She attended anyway — and she’s spent the last year and a half showing what happens when an already-good athlete decides to get better.
THE START
Peyton started training in the Spring of her Sophomore year, following the lead of someone she trusted most: her brother Carson, who now plays football at Grand Valley State University.
“He started a few months before me,” she said. “I feel like just listening to him, and how much it helped him — he would come home every day and just be dead from it, saying that was such a good workout. He put on a lot of muscle from it. So it kind of motivated me to want to do it.”
RESULTS ACROSS TWO SPORTS
The gains showed up differently in each sport, but they showed up fast.
“In basketball, I’m able to jump more for rebounds and be stronger in the paint,” she said. “Volleyball-wise, I’ve even heard it from my coaches — just saying how much higher I’m jumping and having a faster approach, a faster first step. It’s overall strength and speed.”
The results continue beyond improving her explosive power.
“My lateral movement has gotten so much better on defense — I have a faster first step, and I’m able to keep up with faster girls,” she said. “And volleyball-wise, it’s the jumping, and the power behind my sprints and my swing — being able to use my core more.”
ADDRESSING THE DOUBT
It would have been easy for someone in Peyton’s shoes — a sophomore on varsity — to think she’s doing enough and doesn’t need to do anything extra, but Peyton refused to be complacent.
“It’s worth it. It’s going to help you take your game to the next level. Even if you think you’re already a good athlete, it’s going to continue to make you better, both mentally and physically.”
THE CULTURE AND THE COACHES
Peyton points to the environment as much as the workouts themselves.
“Everyone here is here for the same reasons — they want to grow as an athlete, and everyone’s pushing each other to get better. It’s a competitive atmosphere,” she said.
The coaching relationships go beyond the weight room.
“They work to build a relationship with you. They care about you as a person, not just an athlete, and they’re always pushing you to get better.”
TRAINING THROUGH TWO SEASONS
Balancing two varsity sports with consistent training took some adjusting.
“During the season, I try to come once a week just to maintain — it was hard during basketball with how late our practices were,” she said. “But summer and spring, I usually come three days a week and hit it hard during those times.”
The maintenance and routine during the season made the off-season count for more.
“I’ve been able to maintain and not lose everything I had. So coming back in spring and summer, I’m still where I was, and I can just continue to build on it.”
THE MENTAL EDGE
The physical results were the catalyst for the ultimate success quality.
“Confidence-wise, just knowing that I have the strength and speed now, and knowing that I have the work ethic to come in here and want to be better — it’s helped me be more confident,” she said.
MORE THAN A PATH TO COLLEGE
Peyton loves both volleyball and basketball, but currently she’s not planning to play either one in college.
Her story is a reminder that not every athlete who trains at PowerStrength has a goal of college sports.
Some are working toward more playing time, a starting role, postseason awards, or simply the best possible high school career, making memories with the teammates they’ve grown up with.
Peyton’s goal was about making the most of the two seasons she had left.
ADVICE TO THE NEXT ATHLETE
For any athlete who might be tempted to think they’re already good enough, Peyton’s message boils down to one idea: it keeps paying off, no matter how good you already are.
Asked to finish the sentence “PowerStrength is,” she landed on one word: “Motivating.”
“It’s a great environment where you come to get better,” she said. “It makes you want to get better.”
WANT TO SEE BIG RESULTS?
3rd–12th grade athletes of all sports and ability levels can sign up at PowerStrength at any time throughout the year while spots remain. Choose the PowerStrength location most convenient for you — Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, Holland, or Byron Center.
Visit powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to schedule your assessment and get started.