There comes a point for many former athletes when they ask themselves a difficult question:
Now what?
The games are over.
Your body doesn’t move the way it used to.
Life gets busy.
And after an injury, sometimes you’re not even sure where to begin again.
That’s exactly where Makayla found herself.
A year removed from ACL surgery, she knew she needed to get stronger—but she also knew she wasn’t ready to jump back into competitive soccer.
“I was out of shape, unhappy, unmotivated, and honestly, I had no idea what to do next or where to start.”
Looking for Direction
Makayla had tried.
She took spin classes.
She tried lifting on her own.
She tried running again.
But like so many people, accountability was missing.
“I didn’t have the discipline to keep at it.”
Then she came across Yakima Sports Performance’s Adult Group Training.
What she expected was a workout.
What she found was much more.
More Than a Gym
Ask Makayla what stands out most about YSP and she won’t mention the equipment first.
She’ll tell you about the people.
“Community and direction.”
“The hardest part of working out is knowing what to do and where to start. YSP made it really easy.”
Every workout was planned.
Every coach cared.
Every class pushed her to become a little stronger than the day before.
And then there were the people beside her.
“I truly believe iron sharpens iron.”
“They make sure you continuously show up for yourself.”
That accountability became the foundation of everything.
Stronger Than Ever
Today, Makayla says she’s stronger than she’s ever been.
Not just physically.
Mentally.
She now wakes up before sunrise to train four to five days every week.
The discipline she once struggled to find has become part of who she is.
One moment stands out.
“My arms have always been my weak point.”
“So benching 135 pounds was a huge milestone.”
“A few weeks ago I realized I was repping it for multiple sets without even thinking about it.”
“My little chicken arms never would’ve dreamed of that.”
Sometimes progress sneaks up on you.
Finding Confidence Again
The biggest victory wasn’t on a barbell.
After ACL surgery, Makayla was afraid to move the way she once had.
Now?
She hikes.
She runs.
She jumps.
She trusts her body again.
“I’ve realized I’m capable of more than I thought I was.”
That’s what strength training gave her.
Confidence.
Becoming the Example
Makayla is also a coach.
That changed how she views training.
“I never want to ask something of an athlete that I’m not willing to do myself.”
Especially coaching young girls.
She wants them to see that strength isn’t something to fear.
It’s something to be proud of.
She wants them to see a woman who lifts weights, embraces challenges, and proves that being strong—both mentally and physically—is something worth pursuing.
That’s leadership.
A Life Outside the Gym
Training didn’t just change her workouts.
It changed her outlook.
She recently completed the DEKA Mile.
Something she never imagined signing up for before.
She’s constantly looking for positive challenges.
She’s surrounded by people who encourage growth.
She’s happier.
More confident.
More positive.
“When you’re working out and feeling good, it rolls over into every aspect of your life.”
Her Advice
Makayla’s advice to anyone who’s nervous about getting started is simple.
“Do it scared.”
“You won’t regret it.”
We couldn’t have said it any better ourselves.
Ready to Find Your Spark Again?
Maybe you’ve been away from fitness for years.
Maybe an injury has left you wondering what’s next.
Maybe you just need a place where you’ll feel supported.
You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin.
You just have to take the first step.
We’ll help with the rest.