By Henry Miller | The Mercedes Enterprise

Powerlifting is a sport that not only requires dedication, but one can say that those who compete in the fast-growing sport come from a different breed of athlete, similar to those who wrestle.

While there are teammates, it’s truly one on one and it requires focus and a non-stop aggression that isn’t quite the same as other sports.

Isabel Sanchez has found that out. The sophomore from Mercedes High School finished 14th at the UIL State Championships recently, the only girl to advance to the highest podium for the Lady Tigers.

What is most impressive, however, is the fact that she did not focus totally on the sport – also having to manage her time between softball (and school).

After meeting the weights she needed to reach to advance both to regionals and state, Sanchez now has what you might call a “power bug,” and said she’s going to be more committed to the UIL’s fledgling sport.

“I really enjoyed it,” she said. “I’m planning to go to state next year, get more PRs (personal records) and recruit more kids into the sport.”

Powerlifting is comprised of three different events – the squat, bench press and dead lift. Sanchez lifted 295 pounds in the squat – her best event – 95 in the bench and 245 in the dead lift for a total of 635 pounds (remember, she’s a sophomore). Her personal records for each are 315 in the squat, 115 in the bench and 280 in the dead lift. She said she didn’t get enough reps in to have her best performance at state, but was still encouraged to keep moving forward.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that her older sister and dad were also powerlifters.

“My dad did it and that motivated me and he encouraged me all the time,” she said. “My older sister Kassidy also competed and went to state and I’ve always looked up to her. And the fact she did it made me want to do it more.

“My family has always supported and motivated me and just been there for me. Not many people can say they’ve gone to state.”

Sanchez is an outfielder for the Lady Tigers’ softball team and is also contemplating running track in the future. She said she thinks she would compete in middle-distance running like the 400- and 800-meter runs. But she does plan on focusing a little more on her powerlifting.

“It’s amazing. I wasn’t as focused as much as I should and I still got there,” she said. “God has blessed me and my family has supported me. I’m looking forward to going back next year and doing better.”