Heidi

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What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Heidi love’s powerlifting because it not only makes you stronger physically, but it can challenge your mental strength as well. You can continuously get stronger and succeed as a direct result of how hard you work. It is also rewarding to train with and cheer on other lifters in the gym and at meets. It’s a positive environment and Heidi enjoys how her coach has put together a strong group of teen lifters that are willing to be there and encourage each other. Lifting can be a lifelong sport.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Heidi is inspired by her coach Mike Stagg. He has been there for Heidi since early in her powerlifting journey. Heidi expressed an interest in lifting competitively and it was recommended that we visit The Pit, a local gym. There we found the owner, Mike, who immediately took Heidi under his wing to instruct her in lifting. He spends much of his time at the gym helping those with a shared passion for powerlifting. He and his wife have also brought an FCA program to the gym for the teen team.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

Heidi works very hard at both powerlifting and cheer. She is respectful and kind. One proud moment that stands out is how she carried herself in the face of adversity. At the USPA Nationals in New Orleans Heidi experienced a muscle strain after her squat. She completed bench press, but was unable to pull her normal weight for deadlift. Instead of quitting, she pulled a fraction of her normal amount to get completion for her team, with a smile on her face in spite of her disappointment.