Local trainer brings MLB players to Tampa each offseason

Inside Nicole Gabriel's gym in Tampa, Spring Training has already sprung.

From pitchers, to position players, some of the biggest names in baseball have come to Nicole for help in the offseason. 

"It's amazing that they trust me," Gabriel said.

"This is the most important time for them, the offseason."

With the likes of Yordan Alvarez, Teoscar Hernandez, Randy Arozarena, Vladdy Guererro Jr., and many others making their way into Nicole's gym. 

Some come trying to stay in shape, while others are trying to find their form again. 

That is where Nicole Gabriel comes in. 

"In a short amount of time I've already gained three miles an hour (on pitches) so that just goes to show the kind of work we're putting in," said Aaron Sanchez, a free agent pitcher. 



As a trainer for the last 15 years, however, Nicole never would have guessed that baseball would be her bread and butter. 

"No! Not at all. It's crazy to see where it is today," Gabriel said. 

After all, growing up as a soccer player in Southwest Florida, all Nicole knew of baseball was thanks to her father and grandfather being New York Yankees fans. 

But after fighting her way back from injuries from her own playing days, Nicole found a passion. 

"My trainer had such an influence on me and really just helped me. That is what really drew my passion into this," she said. 

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Once baseball players started hearing about Nicole's passion for her work, they started coming by the dozens to Tampa just to train in her gym. 

One player that has been with Nicole from the start is Rays' pitcher Joey Krehbiel. 

The Seminole native has been working with Nicole for more than a decade and seen how her reputation has exploded around the MLB. 

"We started with, I wouldn't call it a small group, but a small group," Krehbiel recalls.

"Every time I walk in the door now, it's like wow! Look at these names. She is bringing in the big dogs."  

Now, Nicole Gabriel gets to put her passion for helping others on full display each offseason. 

"I know all trainers care," Grabriel said.

"I just really have a passion and a love, and it's really exciting seeing these amazing athletes just become a better athlete."

Every day, Nicole now helps others be their best thanks to equal parts weight lifting and words of encouragement. 

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