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From Skinny to State Champion: How Ty VanderWall Elevated His Water Polo Game
When Ty VanderWall joined PowerStrength Training Systems in April 2023, he was a tall freshman water polo player at Grandville High School weighing 150 pounds. Today, Ty has transformed into a 195-pound powerhouse, using his newfound strength to dominate in the pool.
His remarkable journey from a lanky high school athlete to the MVP of the Michigan water polo state tournament is a testament to his hard work, determination, and the support he’s found at PowerStrength.
FINDING POWERSTRENGTH
Ty initially sought out PowerStrength to address physical gaps in his game during the off-season.
“I was looking for a local gym in the area,” Ty said. “I found PowerStrength online and through a couple of my buddies. It’s been a great experience ever since.”
His father, J.R., echoed the sentiment, recalling how Ty’s desire to get “bigger, stronger, and faster” led them to the facility.
J.R., is a former college water polo player and current PowerStrength member.
Both he and Ty like the program for its tailored approach.
“The trainers focus on the little things,” Ty said. “It’s not just about lifting big weights but also avoiding injuries and addressing sport-specific needs like arm speed and leg strength.”
A SEASON OF TRIUMPH
Ty’s hard work paid off in a big way this fall. As captain of his high school team, he led Grandville to a state championship victory and was named the MVP of the tournament.
“It was a roller coaster,” Ty said, reflecting on the season. “We started off not too good, but everyone on our team wanted this championship so bad. I trained twice a week at PowerStrength and busted my butt at practice. This year was our year to win.”
His father attributes much of this success to PowerStrength’s role in his development.
“Major part of it, absolutely,” J.R. said. “I wouldn’t even think twice about it, if he hadn’t been coming here and he was just doing structured workouts with school. Would he be a state champion? Maybe. Would he be the MVP? I don’t know, maybe, but, knowing that he is that and he did achieve those goals. PowerStrength is a major part of that.”
STRENGTH IN THE POOL
Ty’s physical transformation has given him a significant edge over his competitors.
“When I play water polo, I definitely have a size and strength advantage. I can pull people back when they’re swimming and shoot much harder,” Ty explained. “It’s definitely a lot different than most people.”
Strength is crucial in water polo, a sport often underestimated in its physical demands.
“Water polo is based around fighting in the pool,” Ty said. “If you don’t have a good strength program, you won’t go very far.”
His gains in strength and explosiveness extend beyond water polo. During the swim season, Ty competes in the 100-meter breaststroke and 200-meter freestyle relay. This year, he earned a state cut in his first meet and contributes to one of the state’s top relay teams.
THE POWERSTRENGTH DIFFERENCE
What sets PowerStrength apart from traditional high school training programs is its customized approach.
“At PowerStrength, they focus on the little things my high school workouts don’t,” Ty said. “From med ball throws to improve arm speed to leg-focused exercises for treading water, it’s all tailored to help me excel in my sport.”
At PowerStrength, Ty is embraced as an equal among athletes from all sports. He experiences a unique sense of belonging that is rare in many athletic communities. This inclusive atmosphere fosters respect and camaraderie, allowing him to thrive alongside his peers, no matter the sport.
“The community is awesome,” J.R. said. “I think what helps these kids too is they’re learning a sense of belonging. Ty trains with basketball players, football players, wrestlers, and they treat him like an equal here. Whether he’s putting on a Speedo or not, all jokes aside, I really do think he’s being treated as an equal here.”
This personalized training has made Ty an outlier in Michigan, where water polo athletes rarely prioritize strength training. Nationally, however, strength training is a cornerstone for top-tier players.
Ty embraces the challenge, playing alongside athletes who have committed to prestigious programs like USC and UCLA during his summer stints in California.
BIG GOALS, BIGGER DETERMINATION
With dreams of playing collegiate water polo at the highest level, Ty knows the road ahead is steep.
“I want to go to the West Coast because that’s where water polo is big.” he said. “It all starts in the gym. You lift here, you get stronger, and that helps you shine in high school, which builds your resume for college.”
Ty’s sights are set on schools like Pepperdine and UCLA, but he’s realistic about the challenges of being a Michigan athlete in a sport dominated by California players. Still, his drive and dedication are undeniable.
J.R. believes Ty’s mental toughness, cultivated at PowerStrength, will serve him well.
“He’s more confident in the water, whether it’s swimming or water polo, just knowing that he’s the best in the pool. He’s the strongest kid,” J.R. said. “He’s mentally probably the toughest one, I think he’s learned a lot of that here as well. And, he’s also learning a lot more about how hard he can push himself, knowing that there are still more limits to push, and most of the time, it’s your mind that gives up before your body.”
BEYOND THE POOL
Ty’s transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“He’s a monster now,” J.R. said. “Even his friends say, ‘Wow, dude, you’re huge.’”
For Ty, the journey is about more than just individual success. He encourages teammates to consider strength training to elevate their game.
“I tell them it’s awesome and definitely worth trying,” Ty said. “I want the best for my teammates, whether it’s winning a state championship in water polo or a conference title in swim.”
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Ty’s success has inspired J.R. to join PowerStrength’s adult program. A long-time triathlete and former water polo player, J.R. now trains alongside Ty.
“It’s been my journey for the last few months, and I’m loving it,” he said.
The VanderWalls’ shared commitment to fitness and improvement underscores the community PowerStrength fosters.
As Ty continues to chase his dreams, one thing is clear: his journey, both in and out of the pool, is just beginning.
From a 150-pound high school freshman to a 195-pound MVP, Ty VanderWall’s story is proof that hard work, the right training, and relentless determination can take an athlete to the next level—and beyond.
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, Jenison, Plainfield, and Holland.
Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to schedule your assessment and get started.
