GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — A former warehouse in Gulfport was transformed into a multi-sport training facility for athletes of all ages.
Southern Swing Sports opened just over a year ago in an 11,000-square-foot space that was converted in three months. The facility offers 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,” said Gretchen Aucoin, Southern Swing manager and instructor. “It’s nice to have options indoors.”
The facility features premium batting cages equipped with HitTrax screens and monitors.
The golf suite includes two simulators with multiple courses available through apps.
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“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,” said Aucoin.
Pickleball equipment, including paddles and balls, is also provided.
Aucoin said the facility makes year-round training more accessible than when she played softball growing up.
“We were always at an open field and didn’t have a ton of friends train with us,” Aucoin said. “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 played college softball and spent a few professional seasons overseas before returning home to manage Southern Swing.
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“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 said. “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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