This school year marks a first in the history of Franklin D. Roosevelt High School of Innovation: the launch of its powerlifting team.
And helping write that first chapter are three freshmen girls.
In a sport often seen as male-dominated, Taryn S., Justice M., and Alexis C. are helping define what this new program looks like from the very beginning.
“I love it,” Taryn said. “Powerlifting was why I wanted to come to Roosevelt. I know I’m strong.”
For Alexis, joining the team was about trying something new. A volleyball player, she uses powerlifting to cross-train and build strength that carries onto the court.
“I wanted to get better and stronger in volleyball. I’m noticing a difference already,” she said.
The team practices twice a week, working through squat, bench press and deadlift—the three lifts that make up competition.
At meets, athletes have three attempts per lift to record their highest successful weight and are judged on technique and depth. The pressure can be intense, especially for freshmen competing against experienced upperclassmen.
Recently, the Roosevelt powerlifting team competed in regionals, a significant milestone for a first-year program. There, Justice successfully squatted 245 pounds for the first time and received an “all green,” meaning all judges approved the lift.
“They were ready for the task and to get lifts in. I just helped guide them,” said Charles Howington, their coach. “Being a freshman and going to regionals is a big deal. You’re competing against seniors who’ve been doing it for four years.”
Howington is building the team from the ground up alongside his athletes. The girls credit him with helping them grow not only physically, but mentally.
“He’s really helpful and knows how to push us,” Justice said. “He knows how to tell us to put the negative thoughts away when we say we can’t do something.”
That mindset, pushing past doubt and stepping up to the bench, is becoming part of Roosevelt’s new powerlifting identity.
“Lifting helps people become more confident,” Howington said. “The weight is going to be there, so you need the confidence to get on the platform and do it. It’s just you and the bar. No one is going to help you, you need determination.”
As members of Roosevelt’s first powerlifting team, the three freshmen understand that what they are building is bigger than this season. They are setting the tone for future lifters, especially younger girls who may be watching from the stands or walking the halls.
“I want young girls like me to see how far they can go and how strong you can get,” Justice said. “It’s a blessing to be here and represent women.”
