Bella Santiago, a junior at The Villages Charter School in Middleton, has transformed an uncertain start in weightlifting into an unbreakable drive that now defines her role as team co-captain. Known for her strong academic focus and well-rounded interests, she maintains a 3.6 GPA while balancing the demands of competition.

Her journey in weightlifting began her freshman year when her parents urged her to get out, have fun and make new friends. During her first year, she enjoyed the sport, but her love for it was nothing like it is now. When her sophomore season began, she expected more of the same, but everything changed.

She became deeply committed to weightlifting, embracing something she often heard from her coaches, that whatever she put into the sport, she would get out of it. That mindset is when her love for weightlifting grew into what it is today.

“Reflecting back on it now, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself throughout high school,” Bella says.

Since her sophomore year, she has worked hard during the offseason to reach the goals she set for herself. She became the first junior to serve as team co-captain of Buffalo Weightlifting.

While weightlifting is often viewed as an individual sport, Bella credits her teammates for pushing her forward. She says she would not be where she is today without teammates like Olivia, who embodies commitment, and Kim, who reassures her of what she is capable of and reminds her why she works so hard to meet her goals.

Now that the season has ended, her ambition has grown for not only for herself, but for the future of the Buffalo Weightlifting program.

“So next year, I’ll cultivate an environment in the weight room that makes my teammates excited to come to practice each day,” Bella says. “It will allow the team to be free of judgment and allow lifters to always want more.”

Bella is passionate about health and wellness. She plans to pursue a college degree in the medical field with a focus on exercise science, with the goal of helping others live healthier, more active lives.

Outside the classroom, Bella enjoys reading, working out, spending time with friends and family, dining out, traveling and spending time with her cat, Nala. These hobbies help her stay balanced and motivated while remaining connected to the people and things she values most.