For the first time in Florida history, a team won the FHSAA Class 2A Girls Weightlifting State Championship with just three lifters medaling. It was an extraordinary feat, and for Leesburg High School Girls Weightlifting Coach Josh Boyer, a moment of immense pride as his team claimed their second state title in the Olympic category and third team state championship overall.

Leesburg entered the competition without the depth it had in previous years, but what they lacked in numbers, they made up for in heart, fortitude and sheer strength. Leading the charge was senior Mileysa Lebron-Escudero, who delivered a performance for the ages. Competing in the 101-Ib. class, she won gold in both the Olympic and Traditional categories, breaking records along the way. Her 280-pound lift in the Olympic category set a new state record.

“I was incredibly proud to accomplish that,” Mileysa says. “It was my final high school weightlifting competition, and it was the first time my father and grandparents could attend, as they flew in from Puerto Rico. Being originally from Puerto Rico and living here with my mother, an elementary school teacher in Leesburg, having my entire family there meant the world to me. Their presence gave me even more motivation to push myself to the limit.”

Mileysa’s weightlifting journey began as a way to make friends, and she leaves the sport with lifelong bonds forged in the gym.

She was not the only standout for Leesburg, as senior Nevaeh Wells dominated in the Traditional category, securing first place with a 500-lb. total. With this victory, Wells became the most decorated weightlifter in Leesburg High School history, acquiring 10 FHSAA medals throughout her career.

“Weightlifting is about lifting young women up,” Nevaeh says. “It’s been so rewarding to see girls come into the program who couldn’t lift much when they started just like myself, but by the end, were competing for state championships. That is incredibly empowering, and I’m thankful to have been part of the journey.”

Leesburg’s tradition of excellence extends beyond the gym, as athletes like Kayla Nord have paved the way for future generations. With nine FHSAA medals to her name, Kayla ranks second all-time in Leesburg’s storied weightlifting history.

“Weightlifting is about being kind, humble, dedicated and assertive,” Kayla says. “To me, a strong woman embodies confidence and these traits. I will forever take these memories with me. Nevaeh and I became great friends because of this sport and you can’t put a price on what it’s meant to be a part of this journey.”

Assistant coach Taylor Wood has watched the sport evolve over the years as athletes constantly pushed the boundaries of what is possible.

“The sport of girls’ weightlifting has grown incredibly over the past few years,” Coach Wood says. “The amount of weight these girls lift continues to rise every year. They’re redefining the limits of women’s sports, and that’s a wonderful thing to witness.”

The Leesburg girls weightlifting program has always been about more than just lifting weights, Coach Boyer says.

“It’s about developing character, resilience and the confidence in these young women to push past perceived limits,” he says. “That’s what makes our girls so successful—not just their physical strength, but their mental toughness.”

As the senior leaders move on, the future of Leesburg’s program will rest on the shoulders of Hannah Stubbs, the only returning lifter from this year’s historic team. For Hannah, the experience has been life changing.

“Weightlifting is amazing,” Hannah says. “It’s incredible how far my teammates and I have come. From the beginning of the year to now, it’s been a transformative process. I am so thankful to learn from such strong women, along with a great coaching staff, who have helped me both mentally and physically.”

Leesburg’s state championship was not just huge for girls’ weightlifting—it was a major victory for the team, as they achieved two things which had never been accomplished in Florida before. These young ladies have inspired future generations of female weightlifters to rise to the challenge and push past their own limits.

“This championship is about more than just winning medals, it’s about breaking barriers and proving what’s possible,” Coach Boyer says. “These girls have shown that with hard work, commitment and an unshakable belief in themselves, they can accomplish anything. It’s an honor to coach such an incredible group of athletes.”

The significance of Leesburg’s win extends far beyond the school walls. As girls’ and boys’ weightlifting continues to gain recognition in Florida and nationwide, performances like these serve as a catalyst for growth in women’s sports and more schools are beginning to invest in their weightlifting programs.

Photos: Nicole Hamel