GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — A former warehouse in Gulfport was reworked right into a multi-sport coaching facility for athletes of all ages.
Southern Swing Sports opened simply over a yr in the past in an 11,000-square-foot house that was transformed in three months. The facility gives batting cages, golf simulators, and pickleball courts.
“Along the Gulf Coast, it’s nice to have indoor facilities, especially come weather and the summer that’s coming up,” mentioned Gretchen Aucoin, Southern Swing supervisor and teacher. “It’s nice to have options indoors.”
The facility options premium batting cages outfitted with HitTrax screens and screens.
The golf suite contains two simulators with a number of programs accessible by apps.
“It’s more adult-friendly but also kid-friendly place where people can come in and take a few hacks and have some social space with their loved ones, but also compete because there is a ton of different courses you can play,” mentioned Aucoin.
Pickleball gear, together with paddles and balls, can also be offered.
Aucoin mentioned the facility makes year-round coaching extra accessible than when she performed softball rising up.
“We were always at an open field and didn’t have a ton of friends train with us,” Aucoin mentioned. “But when you come into this place, you can bring your buddies, you can have all the equipment at your fingertips, it’s a controlled environment, so you’re not fighting the gnats that come with the summer seasons or the mosquitoes.”
Aucoin performed faculty softball and spent just a few skilled seasons abroad earlier than returning residence to handle Southern Swing.
“It’s great if you’re just getting started, it’s great if you’re serious, and it’s great if you’re pro,” Aucoin mentioned. “We’ve had some ball players that come in here before they left for their season, and they love this place.”
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