Our Story

I am often asked why I built the training center and created Great Lakes Wrestling, and with every answer, I find myself reflecting on the journey of how it all began​.

​A little about me and my why. For 15 years, marathons​ and triathlons were a significant part of my life, culminating in competing in the ​IRONMAN World Championship.​ Throughout those years, I was ​first and foremost a mom. Through volunteering and coaching various sports, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact sports can have on character development.​ And as I wrapped up my racing career and my kids entered college, I found myself wondering, "What's next?"

Wrestling, in particular, captivated me. As a mother of a son who wrestled for many years, I saw how the sport fosters athletic ability, mental and emotional resilience, discipline, and personal accountability—qualities that are valuable both on and off the mat​ and enrich all aspects of life.

I am also a strong advocate for girls in sports. While Great Lakes Wrestling is a co-ed ​p​rogram, it was crucial for me to emphasize supporting and growing girls' wrestling. Despite being the fastest-growing high school sport in the nation, there are ​f​ew facilities dedicated to supporting female wrestlers. My goal was to create a safe and supportive environment where girls could train, learn technical skills, and build ​a community and the confidence needed to succeed at higher levels.​ And as a female-owned business, it is also important to demonstrate to girls that strength is something to be proud of.

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, perfectly reflects the core values I cherish: community, belonging, and remembering our roots and those who have supported us along the way.

Thanks for reading along. I truly hope you join us and create your story.

- Lisa Altman, Founder and Operator