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When the Power Went Out, the Community Showed Up
Over the past several days, Tishomingo County has been dealing with one of the most severe ice storms we’ve seen in years. Thousands of homes are still without power. Temperatures have stayed well below freezing. For many families, basic necessities—heat, hot water, a place to charge a phone—have been hard to come by. At Iuka Sports Academy, we decided early on that if our doors could help, they would stay open. A Place to Warm Up, Clean Up, and Regroup In roughly the last 60
elizbarnes
4 days ago2 min read


A Gym Designed for Families, Not Just Workouts
Iuka Sports Academy didn’t start as a business idea.It started as a problem . Like a lot of families in this area, we were driving 30–40 minutes one way so our kids could get decent training. Practices lasted an hour. During that hour, parents did what parents always do: sat in the car, sat on a bench, or burned time scrolling—then drove another 40 minutes home. That adds up. Fast. ISA was designed to fix that. One Stop. One Hour. Everyone Benefits. The ISA gym exists for o
elizbarnes
Jan 112 min read


We’re Opening Our Doors to Exceptional Trainers — Across Every Sport
We’re looking for experienced trainers who want to work with athletes at Iuka Sports Academy. No facility fees for coaches—just a shared commitment to developing kids in our community.
elizbarnes
Jan 42 min read


What It Will Take to Bring a Swimming Pool to ISA
One of the questions we hear most at Iuka Sports Academy is simple: “When are you going to build a swimming pool?” It’s a fair question—and an exciting one. A pool would open the door to new programs, year-round training, swim lessons, recovery options, and another way for families to enjoy ISA together. It’s something we want, and something we’ve been planning for carefully. But it’s also something we’re committed to doing the right way . Efficient swimming pool design to al
elizbarnes
Dec 29, 20253 min read


Should Iuka Sports Academy Add a VR Gaming Arena?
We’re always looking for ways to make Iuka Sports Academy more engaging, more fun, and more valuable for our members—and we want your input. VR Gaming Arena One idea we’re seriously considering is adding a VR gaming station , specifically a Virtual Reality Arena using omnidirectional treadmills , like the Virtuix Omni system. This isn’t couch gaming. It’s full-body, movement-based virtual reality where players walk, run, and turn naturally inside immersive game environments
elizbarnes
Dec 23, 20251 min read


Meet Mario and Elizabeth Barnes, the Owners of Iuka Sports Academy: A Family, a Community, and a Vision for Local Families.
Iuka Sports Academy is more than a sports facility. It is a reflection of family, community, and a shared belief that kids in Iuka deserve positive outlets, strong role models, and a safe place to grow . Owned and operated by Mario and Elizabeth Barnes, Iuka Sports Academy was built with one purpose in mind: to give local children opportunities that simply did not exist here years ago. A Local Story Rooted in Iuka Mario Barnes grew up in this area and knows firsthand what lif
elizbarnes
Dec 13, 20253 min read


Elevate Your Year-End Fitness with Pop-Up Pilates Classes at ISA
As the year draws to a close, many of us look for ways to refresh our routines and prepare for a strong start to the new year. If you want to finish the year feeling energized and balanced, Iuka Sports Academy (ISA) offers a perfect opportunity. This December, ISA hosts two pop-up Pilates classes led by certified instructor Brianna Lowrey. These sessions are designed to help you reset your body and mind with a low-impact, full-body workout suitable for women of all ages and f
elizbarnes
Dec 1, 20253 min read


The Real Goal of Youth Sports: Persistence, Progress, and a Place to Belong
Many parents and kids enter youth sports with dreams of trophies, championships, and being the best on the team. Yet, this focus on winning often creates pressure that can overwhelm children, especially when success does not come immediately. Too often, kids quit because they feel they are not good enough or fast enough to keep up. This mindset misses the true purpose of youth sports, which is not about being the best but about learning to persist, making steady progress, and
elizbarnes
Nov 30, 20253 min read


Unlocking Potential Through Youth Sports Training
Every family wants the best for their kids. We want them to grow strong, confident, and happy. Here at ISA, we believe that youth fitness programs are a powerful way to unlock that potential. When kids get active, they don’t just build muscles—they build character, friendships, and lifelong habits. Watching young athletes develop their skills and confidence is one of the most rewarding experiences. It’s about more than just sports. It’s about community, teamwork, and fun. Le
elizbarnes
Nov 21, 20253 min read


Enroll Your Child in the Ultimate After-School Experience at Iuka Sports Academy
Finding the Right After School Program for Your Child at Iuka Sports Academy Finding the right after school program can be a challenge for parents who want more than just childcare. You want a place where your child can grow academically, develop athletic skills, and have fun in a safe environment. That’s exactly what the Iuka Sports Academy offers with its after school program in Iuka, MS. A few openings have just become available for this unique program, which blends tutor
elizbarnes
Nov 6, 20254 min read


Enhancing Youth Sports Skills for Success
Every day, I see young athletes stepping onto the field, court, or track with bright eyes and big dreams. Here at ISA, we believe that building youth sports skills is about more than just drills and practice. It’s about creating a community where kids grow stronger, gain confidence, and have fun with their families cheering them on. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to sharpen their game, we’re here to support every step of the journey. The Power of Youth Sp
elizbarnes
Oct 27, 20253 min read


Training isn’t just about going pro—it’s about building persistence, discipline, and lifelong success.
In today’s competitive landscape, young athletes and their parents often chase the dream of professional sports or college scholarships. However, the reality is stark—only about 1% of youth athletes will turn those dreams into a full-time career. So, why should kids train in sports beyond these lofty aspirations? The answer lies in the valuable life skills they cultivate along the way. Training is a pathway to instill persistence, discipline, and resilience—qualities that las
elizbarnes
Oct 27, 20254 min read


Boost Your Child's Potential with Youth Sports Training
Every family wants to see their child thrive. Watching them grow stronger, more confident, and happier is a joy like no other. Here at ISA, we believe that youth sports skill development is a powerful way to unlock your child’s potential. It’s not just about winning games or scoring goals. It’s about building character, making friends, and creating memories that last a lifetime. When kids join our community, they step into a world where fun meets focus, and teamwork fuels pro
elizbarnes
Oct 25, 20254 min read


Exciting After-School Program at Iuka Sports Academy!
Discover the Ultimate After-School Experience for Your Child! At Iuka Sports Academy (ISA), we understand the importance of providing...
elizbarnes
Aug 2, 20242 min read


Exciting Basketball Skills Clinic with Coach Rayfield Ragland at Iuka Sports Academy!
Join Us for an Unforgettable Basketball Experience! We are thrilled to announce that the renowned Coach Rayfield Ragland is returning to...
elizbarnes
Jul 12, 20241 min read


Make the Most of the Remaining Summer at ISA!
Join Our Exciting Summer Program Today! Summer is in full swing, and there’s still plenty of time for your child to enjoy an engaging and...
elizbarnes
Jul 8, 20242 min read


After school Program Coming! Starts August 4th!
We will be offering after school spots for those that would like their child to ride the bus to ISA. There are LIMITED spots available...
elizbarnes
Jul 19, 20231 min read


Advanced Agility Class
We are introducing our Advanced Agility Class. These are intense agility classes meant to push the youth to their limits and then to...
elizbarnes
Jul 3, 20231 min read


Baseball and Softball Camps Coming in July!
We are having baseball and softball camps the week of July 10th! These 1 day camps will focus on grounders, fly balls, batting and base...
elizbarnes
Jun 29, 20231 min read


Agility Classes
I wanted to make a few notes about our agility class. This class is about building strength and improving your agility. Its a great...
elizbarnes
Jun 26, 20231 min read
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