After years of being at the mercy of Northern Michigan weather and busy school gym schedules, it became obvious that Traverse City needed an indoor softball and baseball training facility. As travel teams become more prevalent and roster openings become more and more competitive, players required a venue to train at the frequency and intensity that will elevate their level of play. 

While coaching at the middle school, varsity, and 16u levels, Steve Steimel was able to create a network of fellow coaches, trainers, athletes, and community members to help make his training facility dreams a reality. Building GritShop from the ground up was the perfect opportunity to merge his day-to-day as owner of Apex Engineering with his love of softball.

Steve Steimel
dreamer/owner

Steve was born and raised in Traverse City, graduating from TC Central High School in 1990 where he played JV and varsity baseball.  He is a graduate of Michigan Tech University (1994) with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.  Steve is the owner of Apex Engineering & Management, providing Construction Management and Structural Engineering service primarily in the commercial setting.  He has coached girls fastpitch softball at various levels including, Long Lake rec league, TAGS, West Middle School LEAP and travel softball. He is currently co-coaching the Turnin2 Mirabelli travel team. He created and built the local 231 Fusion softball program with 10u, 12u, 14u, and 16u teams.  Steve’s lovely wife Kristy (who allows him many hours of softball activity) is his partner in raising their two daughters, Katelyn & Brittany.