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Training With Purpose: Drew Little’s Mission to Empower Athletes

Building Stronger Athletes Through Intentional, Personalized Coaching Excellence

Article by Allison Stech

Photography by Provided by Drew Little

Originally published in Anna City Lifestyle

Drew Little’s career in athletic performance training began right after high school, shaped by a personal mission to help athletes reach their full potential. His path into coaching wasn’t built on personal athletic success, but rather on the frustration of not having the guidance he needed as a young athlete. That experience became the foundation for a career focused on providing athletes with the kind of coaching and support that can make a real difference.

Over the past 20 years, Drew has coached at the college level, worked with Olympic athletes, collaborated with the Nike Sports Research Lab, consulted for national and international athletic committees, and trained hundreds of NFL Combine athletes preparing for the professional stage.

Drew believes that high-quality coaching shouldn’t be reserved only for elite players or specific sports. Every young athlete deserves access to proven training methods and consistent support, whether they’re aiming for college scholarships or simply trying to improve. With this in mind, he opened Barbarian Performance in his own community, deliberately staying close to home in order to build stronger relationships and have a lasting local impact. The center has become a cornerstone of the community, fostering talent and assisting athletes to achieve their goals.

In a field filled with a wide range of training programs and philosophies, Drew focuses on providing a consistent, thoughtful approach that athletes and families can rely on. He combines years of hands-on experience with a genuine commitment to each athlete’s long-term growth. Rather than promising quick fixes, he emphasizes steady progress, proper technique, and personal development. His goal is to create a supportive environment where young athletes feel valued, challenged, and motivated. At Barbarian Performance, Drew continues to build trust through results, helping athletes grow in both skill and confidence with every session. This focus on consistent improvement ensures athletes stay on track toward their objectives.

Barbarian Performance, one of Texas’s most respected names in elite athletic training, has relocated from Carrollton, TX, to its current home in Melissa, TX, bringing a new level of access to high-level performance coaching across North Texas. What sets Barbarian apart from the many training facilities and online programs available today is its commitment to data-driven, purposeful training. Every sprint, lift, and movement is intentional, crafted not just to push athletes but to build the specific qualities they need to succeed in their sport. Training is always adapted to the athlete’s current phase, whether they’re in the off-season, in-season, or recovering from an injury. This tailored approach helps maximize progress while minimizing the risk of overtraining or burnout. It’s this thoughtful design of each training session that distinguishes Barbarian from other programs.

Barbarian Performance offers several formats to support athletes at any stage of development. Small group sessions provide a high-energy, competitive setting that encourages focus and effort, while still allowing for individual coaching and feedback. For those who want more specialized attention, one-on-one training delivers highly personalized programming and direct, detailed instruction. And for athletes outside of the immediate area, remote coaching makes it possible to follow a structured, proven Barbarian plan from anywhere. This flexibility allows athletes to pursue excellence on their terms, wherever they may be.

To give athletes a chance to experience what makes Barbarian Performance different, the first session is completely free. There’s no pressure and no obligation, just an opportunity to train with a team that truly understands athletic development and lets results speak for themselves. It’s a chance to feel the energy, meet the coaches, and walk away with a clear understanding of how and why this program works. With every element of training grounded in experience and intention, athletes who train at Barbarian don’t just work hard; they work with purpose, discipline, and determination!

At Barbarian Performance, athletes don’t just train hard; they train with purpose, discipline, and long-term development in mind.

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