Girls weightlifting proved once again to be a strength across the Keys, as local athletes delivered standout performances at the district, regional and state levels. The season featured a double state gold medalist, a double state silver medalist, multiple additional state medalists, and four regional champions representing Key West, Marathon and Coral Shores. Competing in Class 2A and 1A divisions, the programs also found success in team scoring, with Marathon capturing the district championship in traditional lifts and finishing second in Olympic while Coral Shores placed second in traditional and third in Olympic competition. Although athletes compete within their own weight classes, the team accomplishments highlighted the depth and growth of the sport locally.
Athlete of the Year
Vanessa Gabriel
Senior, Coral Shores
Gabriel capped an extraordinary senior year by sweeping the postseason with dual district, regional and state championships. The Coral Shores standout dominated in both Olympic and traditional lifts, earning two gold medals at the state meet and establishing herself as one of the strongest lifters in Florida. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and relentless focus in training, Gabriel also served as a powerful source of positivity within the Hurricanes’ program, consistently uplifting teammates and setting the tone with a can-do attitude. Her combination of elite performance, leadership and dedication made her a force for Coral Shores.
Justice Lee Isom
Senior, Marathon
Lee Isom delivered an exceptional senior campaign, claiming dual district and regional titles before finishing as the state runner-up in both Olympic and traditional lifting. The Marathon standout brought unmatched work ethic and determination to every meet and practice, consistently pushing herself to improve. Her drive and positive attitude helped elevate the Dolphins’ program while earning her a pair of silver medals on the state podium.
Ella Evans
Senior, Marathon
Evans showcased resilience and determination throughout the season, battling through injuries while still managing to capture dual district and regional titles. The senior refused to back down from challenges, demonstrating toughness and perseverance every time she stepped onto the platform. Her ability to overcome adversity while continuing to perform at a high level made her a key contributor for Marathon. Evans capped off her career with the Fins by earning a bronze medal in traditional lifts at states.
Adelle Bainbridge
Junior, Marathon
In her first year in the sport, Bainbridge quickly established herself as a rising force for the Dolphins. She won the Olympic title and placed second in traditional lifting at districts before taking first in Olympic and third in traditional at regionals. Bainbridge carried that momentum to the state meet, finishing ninth in traditional and earning a fifth-place podium finish in Olympic, an impressive accomplishment for a first-year lifter.
Tinashay Cunningham
Senior, Marathon
Cunningham brought consistency and leadership to Marathon’s lineup throughout the season. The senior earned a pair of bronze medals at districts and followed that with a sixth-place finish in Olympic lifting at regionals. Known as a quiet leader, Cunningham conducted herself with class at every meet while encouraging and supporting her teammates from the sidelines.
Caylee Moore
Senior, Key West
Moore put together a strong postseason performance for the Conchs, earning silver medals in both Olympic and traditional lifting at districts and repeating the feat with another pair of silvers at regionals. The senior’s consistency and strength made her one of Key West’s most dependable lifters throughout the season.
Aaliyah McLeod
Sophomore, Key West
McLeod continued to develop into a powerful presence for the Conchs, earning dual silver medals at districts before capturing bronze in both Olympic and traditional lifting at regionals. The sophomore’s strength and determination helped her reach the podium multiple times this season, and with two years remaining, she has plenty of time to continue building on her success.
Courtney Ward
Sophomore, Key West
Ward represented Key West well in the lightweight division, placing fourth in Olympic and fifth in traditional lifting at districts. She followed that performance with a sixth-place medal in Olympic lifting at regionals, demonstrating her steady improvement and competitive drive throughout the season.
Althea Olsen
Senior, Key West
Olsen finished her senior season with a strong showing in the postseason. She placed fifth in Olympic and fourth in traditional lifting at districts before earning a sixth-place medal in traditional at the regional meet. Her dedication and persistence made her a valuable member of the Conchs’ weightlifting program.
Mira Jones
Senior, Coral Shores
Jones turned in a solid postseason performance for the Hurricanes, placing third in traditional and fourth in Olympic lifting at districts. She followed that with a strong regional meet, earning a bronze medal in Olympic lifting and finishing fifth in traditional to secure a spot among the Keys’ top competitors.
Lily Ooms
Sophomore, Coral Shores
Ooms continued to develop as a promising young lifter for Coral Shores, earning a pair of silver medals at the district meet. She followed that performance with fourth place in Olympic and fifth in traditional lifting at regionals. The sophomore’s strength and potential point to an even brighter future in the Hurricanes’ program.
Elaina Kerns
Senior, Coral Shores
Kerns closed out her high school career with a strong postseason showing, earning second place in both Olympic and traditional lifting at the district meet. She then took fourth place in Olympic and sixth in traditional at regionals, demonstrating the consistency and determination that defined her senior season.
