Princeton powerlifters, from left, Melanie Ramirez, Aubrey Arredondo, Sydnee Simmons, Favor Akubuogo and Astryd Espinoza pose for pictures at the THSWPA Class 6A state meet in Edinburg. Courtesy Kelsey Willsie

By David Wolman

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Princeton senior Aubrey Arredondo wasn’t the first member of her family to compete at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association state meet. Her older sister, Emily, placed sixth in the 105-pound division during the 2022 season.

Arredondo, however, carved out her own impressive path.

Initially hesitant to try powerlifting as a freshman, Arredondo quickly fell in love with the sport after attending a team workout. Although she did not qualify for state her first year, she advanced each of the last two seasons. This year, she reached a new milestone — winning the regional title at 105 pounds before capping her high school career with a third-place finish at the Class 6A state meet.

“I was just happy to be a regional champion because it’s my last year and I didn’t think that I could do it,” Arredondo said. “I was happy. Last year, I placed second or third at regionals. I’ve been waiting for this moment.”

Arredondo was one of five Lady Panthers to compete at the state meet and one of two medalists. Astryd Espinoza joined her on the medal stand, finishing third in the 132-pound division with an 880-pound total.

Sydnee Simmons placed 13th at 181 pounds, Melanie Ramirez finished 17th at 123, and Favour Akubuogo competed in the 165-pound division but did not place.

For Espinoza, the journey to a state medal was deeply personal. Before joining the powerlifting team, she struggled with her weight. Through dedication to the sport, she transformed that challenge into strength — now boasting a 205-pound bench press.

“I don’t like running,” Espinoza said. “I fell in love with powerlifting. I’m trying to do it in college. I’m trying to prove things to myself and to other people. Lifting is so much fun and better than running.”

Simmons, meanwhile, qualified for regionals and state for the first time this season. At regionals, she faced a moment where the pressure nearly overwhelmed her, but encouragement from head coach David Pasternak and her teammates helped her push through. She finished fourth and posted a qualifying total to advance to state.

“He said, ‘You’re going to get this,’” Simmons said. “But having my friends there is what helped me get back up and do well.”

Ramirez’s path to powerlifting began on the soccer field. Midway through the season, her coach noticed her strength and suggested she try powerlifting. After just two practices, Pasternak informed her that she had made the team.

“After my first meet at Royse City, I told my parents that this is what I want to do,” Ramirez said.

Akubuogo’s journey came after a setback. An ankle sprain during volleyball tryouts forced her to miss the remainder of the week and the final team cut. Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, she turned to powerlifting after encouragement from her volleyball coach.

“I was so nervous when I first joined the team, especially coming from a different school,” Akubuogo said. “But the support I’ve received from the girls has made a huge difference, especially with my numbers. Support goes a long way. If you have a bad meet, they are there to support you. I am so grateful for all the girls around me.”