After starting out with one, Donna has foundation in girls powerlifting

DONNA — Lesly Yanez can credit herself for breaking some barriers.

Three years ago, Donna gave birth to its girls powerlifting program. As it turns out, it was a program of one, because Yanez was the lone athlete who showed up. While other girls decided at the time they didn’t want to do it, Yanez took some personal pride and took on the challenge.

The workouts were quiet. The only one she was able to connect with as far as motivation was coach Stephanie Becker. But at the same time, many of the boys poured on the support to help Yanez improve. While at the time Yanez dealt with being the only female, there was also a sense things would change. At the time, Becker was Donna’s trainer. But to her surprise, she was given the responsibilities to tutor Yanez, an athlete with limited powerlifting experience other than her personal workouts and what she experienced while in high school. Becker’s alma mater in Iowa had a powerlifting class, but the sport wasn’t part of extra curricular activities.

“They knew I was athletic and played sports,” Becker said. “Once I got into it, I said OK, I will also look for other girls.”

A year later, the program grew from just Yanez to five girls. One of them, Stephanie Soto, miraculously went all the way to state and ended up runner-up in the 198-pound weight class. Another was Aileen Aguirre, who missed state competition by 10 pounds.

“I remember the first time I ever did dead lift, coach (Becker) said I had a natural form and that I was good in it,” Aguirre said.

Now, this year the number of athletes has doubled, with nine of them seniors. Where only two years ago one was the loneliest number, Yanez has gone from working alone to interacting with real teammates. She can now be part of motivating teammates, bonding and dancing to music playing over the radio. 

   
“It was real small at first, me by myself,” Yanez said. “I got picked on a lot. Now we have a saying, ‘It’s not a man sport, it’s our sport.’”

Out of the 10 on the team, Yanez (123-pound class), Aguirre (181) and Anabel Moreno (97) have secured spots at regionals. Before the season, Becker had made a deal that if at least three girls qualified for regionals, she would dye her hair blonde. With the trio already penciled in heading into the district meet on Friday, Becker knows she can’t back down on her word. 

“I’ll keep my end of the bargain,” Becker said.  

A week ago, the Bravettes placed second behind Weslaco at the Laredo Cigarroa Powerlifting Invitational, a first for the program. The success was a big stepping stone for a team that had only one participant two years ago. 

 
“That’s what we’ve waited for,” Becker said. “All the girls were in the top five after the first lift, I knew (we had a chance) after that.”   

While one day they would love to be in Weslaco’s shoes, the bigger picture right now is to add to what they’ve started for the regional tournament.

“I feel that more than half (can reach regionals),” Becker said. “Everyone has a shot of either reaching or surpassing (qualifying) totals.”

With nine seniors, Becker will have to rebuild in the near future, but said she already has her eye on a group of freshman who look like they have potential.

“I have a feeling the word is out,” Becker said. “The girls see and are interested. It will grow.”