My development, both mentally and physically, has been profoundly influenced by Smart Performance. The guidance and coaching I received from Alex have been instrumental in my progress. His professionalism, combined with a deep commitment to helping his students reach their aspirations, stems from a genuine passion for fostering the growth of young athletes and a drive for excellence. This has been key to my achievements and personal growth. The foundation of Smart Performance's success lies in the competitive yet supportive environment it fosters for training and competition. Upon my arrival in America, I quickly observed the edge American athletes had, a result of their early exposure to a competitive environment. Smart Performance skillfully narrows this disparity with his training approach. Without this immersion in a competitive environment provided by Smart Performance, I would have likely faced substantial challenges and felt at a distinct disadvantage when I began my career in the States. This left me only wishing that I had found smart performance sooner. Discovering Smart Performance in my senior year of highschool almost feels like a missed opportunity, especially when I compare my journey to my teammates who began their
training much earlier. Finding training earlier would have led me to a more deeply ingrained work ethic, a more resilient mindset, and a higher level of skill development than I already have. These benefits would have extended beyond just athletic performance; they would have positively influenced my academic’s and other areas of personal development as well, such as developing confidence while becoming a young man. Smart Performance has made it more than just training for athletics. They have made it about developing into a young person who can
succeed on and off the field. Which is why I love to come back and train with Smart Performance when I'm home. Whenever I get the chance to come back and train with Smart Performance during my time at home, it feels like a golden opportunity to hit the reset button. Training in a smaller group setting, as opposed to the usual team environment of 100 or more, allows me to really hone in on fine-tuning my movement mechanics. In these sessions, the focus shifts from just being one among many to receiving more personalized and detailed coaching.This environment is perfect for me to delve into the specifics of my technique and work on those finer details that can get overlooked in a larger team setting. It's a chance to identify and correct any minor issues and to refine my skills in a way that's just not possible when training as part of a large group.

In conclusion, my journey with Smart Performance, particularly the mentorship from Alex, has been a transformative experience, shaping me both as an athlete and as a person. The competitive yet supportive environment they foster has been pivotal in bridging the gap I initially felt upon my arrival in America, giving me an invaluable edge. Although I wish I had started this journey earlier, the intensive, personalized training I receive during my visits home is a cherished opportunity for growth and refinement. Smart Performance has not only enhanced my athletic
abilities but also played a significant role in my personal development, instilling in me a silience and work ethic that transcends sports and aids in all facets of life.

Cole Snyder (University of Delaware)