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 both physical and mental strength 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, Founder and Operator

Our Story

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 a priority for 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. During that time, I was most importantly a parent. Through coaching and volunteering, I witnessed the profound impact athletics have on character development. So, as I retired from racing and my children entered college, 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.

February 2025