There’s no denying the positive impact sports have on kids and teens. Beyond improving physical fitness and building strength, they can help boost confidence and resilience, support cognitive development, reduce symptoms of depression, and foster a strong sense of community. For young athletes, pushing their limits and embracing new challenges isn’t just part of the game—it plays a key role in unlocking their full potential. 

This is what Boys & Girls Club member Andrea discovered when she joined her high school weightlifting team during her senior year. Encouraged to try a sport before she graduated, she felt compelled to truly challenge herself. “It felt like my last chance to step out of my comfort zone, so I took a leap,” she says. 

Once considered a male-dominated sport, weightlifting has seen a surge in popularity among female athletes—but finding a supportive space to train and grow isn’t always easy. For Andrea, the resources and mentorship provided by her local Boys & Girls Club in Jacksonville, Florida, made all the difference. Not only did she have a place to refine her technique, but she also gained the confidence to challenge her own perceived limits, eventually competing and finishing second in the state. 

Now, as she nears graduation and looks ahead to her next chapter, she reflects on the ways weightlifting has helped transform her, beyond the physical. “Weightlifting has also made me stronger mentally, shaping me into a better version of myself,” she says. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance—and the vital role afterschool programs like Boys & Girls Clubs play in providing young athletes a place to grow and thrive.  

Here, we chat with Andrea about her journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the bright future ahead for girls who lift. 

Beyond physical strength, how has weightlifting impacted you mentally and emotionally?

Weightlifting has completely changed how I see myself. I used to be so hard on myself, always picking apart what I wasn’t good at. But with lifting, progress is something you can see and feel. One week, a weight feels impossible, and then a month later, you’re lifting it like it’s nothing. It’s a reminder that growth takes time, and that’s helped me not just in the gym, but in life. As for my team—they’re like family. We push each other, celebrate each other’s wins, and pick each other up on the hard days. It’s made me mentally stronger in ways I never expected.

How has your Boys & Girls Club supported you on this journey? 

The Boys & Girls Club has been like a second home. They gave me a space to train, but more than that, they provided me with mentors and coaches who believed in me—Coach Dixon, especially. He saw potential in me before I even saw it in myself. He’d correct my form and push me when I needed it, but would also remind me to be patient with myself. Having that kind of support made all the difference, especially in the beginning when I wasn’t sure if I belonged in the sport.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

My proudest moment was my first competition—I was nervous, but hitting my deadlift and hearing my teammates cheer made me feel like I truly belonged.

What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them? 

One of my biggest challenges was overcoming the fear of judgment, especially the idea that weightlifting isn’t for girls. At first, I felt like I had something to prove, but over time, I focused on my love for the sport. Now, I lift for myself and the strength it gives me, not to meet anyone else’s expectations.

What do you think the future holds for girls in weightlifting?

Girls are breaking barriers in weightlifting, proving strength isn’t just for the guys. I hope to see girls’ teams become just as common as boys’ teams.

What advice would you give younger girls who may feel intimidated about joining weightlifting?

If you’re hesitant to start, just go for it; you don’t need to be the strongest, you just need to be willing to try. Find a supportive coach and community, and don’t be afraid to take up space. You belong here.

From now through the end of March, we’ll be supporting Boy & Girls Clubs of America by donating a portion of all online orders and hosting an array of in-store give-back events. Learn more here.