Our Mission
We are committed to fostering development through community engagement, inclusivity, and sportsmanship.
We welcome athletes of all ages and experience levels, serving as a year-round hub for athletic growth and mentorship. Our camps and clinics provide continuous opportunities to promote lifelong health, character development, and athletic achievement.
Our Structure
We are a multi-use recreation center dedicated to creating a vibrant community through several key principles:
Community Building: We bring people together through shared spaces and activities, fostering a sense of belonging and connected community.
Member Empowerment: We empower our members by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, personal growth, and skill development.
Inclusivity: We foster inclusivity by creating a welcoming and accessible environment that embraces and values diversity.
May 2026
Our Why
I am often asked why I built the training center and created Great Lakes Wrestling, which always makes me reflect on how it all began.
Sports and fitness have always been important to me. For 15 years, marathons and triathlons—including seven Boston Marathons (my favorite race) and the IRONMAN World Championship—were a major part of my life. Through coaching and volunteering, I witnessed the profound impact athletics have on character development. As I retired from racing, I began to consider my next chapter.
Wrestling, in particular, captivated me. Watching my son compete for many years, I saw how the sport instills athletic ability, resilience, discipline, and accountability—qualities vital both on the mat and in everyday life. I truly fell in love with the sport.
A Focus on Girls' Wrestling
While Great Lakes Wrestling is a co-ed program, I am a strong advocate for girls in sports. It was crucial for me to emphasize supporting and growing girls' wrestling. Despite it being the fastest-growing high school sport in the nation, there are few facilities dedicated to female wrestlers. My goal was to create a safe, supportive environment where girls can build technical skills, find community, and gain the confidence to succeed at higher levels. As a female-owned business, it is also important to show girls that strength and tenacity are attributes to be proud of.
A Lifelong Fitness Journey
I also recognize that health and fitness is a lifelong journey. The Great Lakes Training Center is dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages—from youth to adults—in their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.
Our slogan, Homegrown, reflects the core values I cherish: community, belonging, and remembering our roots and those who have supported us along the way.
Thank you for reading our story. I hope you will join us and create yours.
Lisa Altman, Owner and Operator