On Aug. 20, Powermill Training Academy officially announced they will be closing their doors, effective Oct. 15. This not only affects the teams that trained and practiced at Powermill Training Academy, but also the athletes that go there every week for extra reps, practice and to chase their dreams. 

     “Powermill helped me out a lot, developing me as a person and as an athlete,” senior Tanner Hall said. 

     The closure comes as a surprise to many, raising questions about future player development and the impact on the local baseball scene. 

     Powermill’s closure “takes away the exposure you get from other people and limits how much you can practice,” Hall said.

     Training at the facility taught many players discipline, hard work and how to be a team player.

     “Powermill helped everyone get to where they are,” sophomore Jarett Von said. “They helped FSU players Myles Bailey, Drew Faurot, Jackson and Weston get to where they are now.”

     Athletes who do not have access to the necessary equipment and space will be unable to train consistently. 

     “It will not allow people to get as many reps with the same people,” Von said.

     Having a person behind you coaching you through your swings, telling you what is right and what is wrong, definitely helps a young athlete’s development. When a young athlete is taught the incorrect technique, it could affect their development down the line by making them rebuild a swing when it actually matters the most.

     The closure of Powermill’s training facility will definitely affect Tallahassee, leaving several high school and youth baseball players without a coach to guide them, equipment readily available and the ability to get extra reps off a machine. Although North Florida baseball will be affected, players are hopeful there will be something similar put in place soon.