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Brezlyn Hagemeister doesn’t back down from challenges—she rises through them. A sophomore at Ridgeview High School, Brezlyn made headlines this season as one of the most dominant pitchers in the state. She played a key role in leading her team to a state championship and earned a reputation as one of the top arms in Oregon—regardless of classification. But her success isn’t just about talent. It’s about grit, resilience, and the fire that’s been building inside her for years. Brezlyn was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age and has faced doubters ever since. Some people saw her diagnosis as a limitation. She saw it as motivation. Every time someone underestimated her, she used it to fuel her growth—on and off the field. We had the privilege of working with Brezlyn at Specialty Athletic Training shortly after she received her diagnosis, and even back then, her determination was undeniable. She showed up ready to work and never made excuses—even while managing a chronic health condition. With the unwavering support of her family, her teammates, and her loyal companion “Scout,” Brezlyn has turned adversity into strength. She’s become a leader, a competitor, and an inspiration to other young athletes navigating similar challenges.
Her story is one of perseverance and purpose. And the best part? She’s only a sophomore. We couldn’t be prouder to have played a small role in Brezlyn’s journey. From her early training days with us to her latest championship run, she continues to prove what’s possible when passion meets hard work. Congratulations, Brezlyn—we’re all rooting for you. And we can’t wait to see what’s next.
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When people think of fitness, they often focus on the physical—getting stronger, building endurance, losing weight. But for our clients at Specialty Athletic Training, the benefits of fitness go way beyond the physical. One of the most powerful tools we use isn’t a piece of equipment or a fancy exercise technique—it’s routine. Routine builds trust, creates safety, and gives our clients a sense of control in a world that often feels unpredictable. Many individuals we serve thrive in structured environments. Whether they’re living with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, or other disabilities, having a consistent, predictable schedule helps reduce anxiety and boosts their ability to engage. When they know what to expect—who they’ll be with, what they’ll be doing, how long it will last—it removes a major barrier to participation. But here’s the real magic: routine doesn’t just help our clients show up. It helps them grow.  When we repeat exercises week after week, we reinforce movement patterns, improve motor planning, and create opportunities to build confidence. Our clients begin to recognize that they can do hard things. They see their progress. Most importantly, they start to believe in themselves.
For some, just walking through the gym door was once a big win. Now? They’re setting goals. Pushing sleds. Trying new movements. Smiling more. Talking more. Advocating for themselves. That doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through the power of showing up, consistently, in a place where they feel safe and supported. Fitness for our community isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. And progress lives in routine. So if you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional wondering where to start—start with consistency. Make it a habit. Make it predictable. Show up for them, and you’ll be amazed at how they show up for themselves. At Specialty Athletic Training, we’re not just building stronger bodies—we’re building stronger routines, stronger confidence, and stronger lives. |
About the AuthorRyan Lockard, CSCS*D, CSPS*D is the Founder and CEO of Specialty Athletic Training. He is accredited by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a Certified Special Populations Specialist. Lockard is a member of advisory board for the NSCA Oregon chapter and has served on numerous non-profit boards serving the disability community, including the Autism Society of America.
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