Shepherd’s Ryan wins state title, sets records
Shepherd’s Hailey Ryan wins state crown, sets records
The best female powerlifter in the state of Michigan.
It’s that simple.
On March 13 Shepherd High School senior Hailey Ryan won the super heavyweight state championship at the Michigan High School Powerlifting Association (MHSPLA) state finals from Adrian High School. For her career Ryan has now won five state powerlifting state championships (3 MHSPLA, 2 USAPL).
Moreover, her performance at the MHSPLA finals was record-setting as she set new state standards for all weight classes in the squat (430 pounds); bench (225 pounds) and deadlift (445 pounds). Her three-event total of 1,100 pounds is also a new standard, making one Hailey Ryan the strongest prep powerlifter in state history.
With the win she earns an automatic bid into the USAPL High School & Teen Nationals in Aurora, Colo., in late May.
“A lot of hard work and sticking to it, two hours per day,” said Ryan, who started lifting seriously when she was a freshman. “I’m just very grateful for the life lessons this has taught me. I’m excited to be going to (nationals) and seeing what I can do.”
Since she was a freshman Ryan has set and owned 18 different state records at one point or another, which speaks to why she’s one of the best prep powerlifters in the country.
On average Ryan said has competes three to four times per year and spends the rest of the time training.
However, now that she’s a senior and nearing graduation, she has her sights set on the future and powerlifting might play a big role going forward.
“I’m just working on graduating high school and on my training,” said Ryan. “That’s it.”
Ryan will compete in the national meet on May 30.