Girls' weightlifting growing in Florida coast high schools

Girls weightlifting increasing in popularity
by Eric Pfahler, TCPLam

Five Treasure Coast schools reached the regional volleyball tournament. Of those, four offer girls weightlifting as a sport.

Maybe that's not a coincidence, Sebastian River athletic director Michael Stutzke said.

"Absolutely, and that's one of the reasons we have it," he said.

Sebastian River is one of a growing number of state and area high schools with a girls weightlifting team, and often, participation in the sport is driven by girls who want to train for other sports.

"It gives the girls another opportunity," Fort Pierce Central athletic director Jay Stewart said. "It kind of balances our offerings.

"It's a way to help kids keep in shape, so I think it's a win-win situation."

There are 171 schools listed by the Florida High School Athletic Association that either have or are adding girls weightlifting this season. Sebastian River, Martin County, Jensen Beach and St. Edward's are the area schools that offer girls weightlifting and also made a regional volleyball appearance. Fort Pierce Central, Port St. Lucie and Treasure Coast High School will offer the sport this year for the first time, and South Fork also has a program.