LA FERIA — No girl lifted as much weight in the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association’s state championships than Alyssa Ramirez, in all classifications.
The senior will take her straps and weightlifting suits to San Antonio to join the University of Texas at San Antonio’s NCAA Division I powerlifting program.
“This is the best thing that has ever happened to me by far,” Ramirez said. “Just knowing and hearing what I have heard about the team, they are very welcoming and a family. They do not use you as just an athlete, they treat you like family. Hearing about that makes me super excited to go and meet everyone there.”
At the Class 4A big school state meet, Ramirez squatted 575 pounds, benched 275 pounds and deadlifted 465 pounds for a total of 1,315 pounds. The only 4A state record that Ramirez does not own is the bench press.
“My senior year went better than I thought it would,” she said. “After bombing out state my junior year, I knew I wanted to redeem myself my senior year and I did. I was able to become state champ, two-time regional champ and hold eight records under that association.”
Powerlifting is a grueling sport, La Feria powerlifting coach Daryl Gonzales said. Ramirez said she has scars from the extremely strenuous lifts. To be able to be at her level, there is pain for the glory.
“There are no words for the amount of work she puts in,” Gonzales said. “She is driven by herself. This is something she has worked for her entire life. Her work ethic is great. She just does not practice at practice. This is something all season long that she commits to.”
Gonzales said that with the work ethic Ramirez has, she can accomplish anything, in the gym or in life.
Ramirez was pushed this year by upcoming lifters because the popularity of the sport has grown, she said.
“More people lifting created more competition,” she said. “I actually moved up a weight class because I had a feeling that I would not beat the girl in my old weight class.”
But Ramirez beat everyone in the state.
The Roadrunners-bound powerlifter plans to study criminal justice during her time in San Antonio. She hopes to join the Border Patrol after UTSA.
“I just want to say thank you to UTSA for taking me in, and I cannot wait to represent La Feria at the collegiate level,” Ramirez said.
