The Value of the Grind: Thomas Kohlmeyer

"I love the grind that it takes to get better and the results that you can see from your hard work."

For Thomas Kohlmeyer, those aren't just words. They're the mindset that drives him every time he steps onto the basketball court and every time he walks into Performance Lab.

A senior at Loyola Catholic High School, Thomas has spent the last several years chasing improvement. While he has also played soccer, basketball has always been his primary focus. As his goals grew, so did his understanding of what it would take to reach them.

"I saw that the players at the level I wanted to be at were much stronger than I was," Thomas says. "I decided to look into training programs that could help me get to the level I needed, and I found Performance Lab. It felt like the best fit for me."

Since then, Thomas has committed himself to the process. Not because it's easy, but because he believes consistent work leads to lasting results.

Since then, Thomas has committed himself to the process. Not because it's easy, but because he understands that improvement comes from consistently showing up, putting in the work, and trusting the process.

That commitment has translated into measurable results.

During his time at Performance Lab, Thomas has made significant gains in both strength and athletic performance. His vertical jump has increased by 22.1%, while his peak power has improved by 36.3%. He has also added 35 pounds to his bench press, 50 pounds to his back squat, and 60 pounds to his trap bar deadlift.

For Director of Strength and Performance Landon Messner, Thomas' progress is a reflection of the way he approaches every workout.

"Thomas is a stud basketball player who has been absolutely outstanding in the Performance Lab. He brings a high level of consistency, focus, and effort every time he trains, and the results speak for themselves. He is the type of athlete coaches love working with: talented, coachable, competitive, and committed to getting better."

One of the biggest changes he's noticed isn't just how much stronger he's become. It's how his body responds when the game gets physical.

"I've definitely noticed my injury prevention and recovery has improved the most," he says. "I've had ankle sprains that used to take me out for weeks. Now that same injury might not even keep me out for the rest of the game."

He's also seen his vertical jump improve, giving him more explosiveness on the court and helping him compete with greater confidence.

That confidence is something his family has noticed, too.

"Physically he looks bigger and has gained about 10 pounds of muscle in the last five months or so," says his mom, Logan. "His confidence has improved considerably and he seems much more comfortable getting physical under the basket."

For Logan, another difference has been the individualized approach to training.

"Performance Lab was able to adjust to Thomas's goals and focus on his sport rather than just general weightlifting," she says. "The flexibility in the lifting schedule is great for our family because Thomas's schedule is always changing. The personalized coaching and small group environment have really helped him."

For Thomas, it's the people who make the biggest impact.

"The thing I enjoy the most about Performance Lab is the coaches," he says. "They're always lifting you up and getting you better every day."

He also appreciates the environment that surrounds every workout.

"Performance Lab has a very rare training environment where everybody wants to get better, but they're having fun doing it."

That combination of hard work and positive energy has fueled tremendous growth in a relatively short amount of time.

"My time training at Performance Lab has been very productive," Thomas says. "I've seen so much growth in a pretty short time, and it's taught me how to work harder, push my limits, and see the value that comes from that."

His favorite lift? The deadlift. His goals? Help Loyola make a run to the state tournament and continue his basketball career at the collegiate level.

For Thomas, those goals aren't something to wish for. They're something he’s working towards every day.

Thomas knows the value isn't found in one workout, one game, or one season. It's found in showing up consistently, embracing the grind, and trusting that the work you put in today will prepare you for tomorrow.

As Logan puts it, "We would absolutely suggest considering Performance Lab. The facilities are great, the coaches are excellent, and they really can help your young athlete achieve their goals. The small groups and personalized lifting programs are something many organizations say they offer, but Thomas has truly felt that Performance Lab meets his individual needs."

For Thomas, the grind continues. And that's exactly how he likes it.